Sample Library Manager

*THE ROLE & THE TEAM*
As a Sample Library Manager (Maternity Cover) (all genders), you will lead the end-to-end operations of our Sample Library across two Zalando locations, ensuring smooth daily processes and high service quality for all internal partners. You will manage a team of approximately 12 people—including assistants, warehouse support, and supervisors—while fostering an efficient, collaborative, and solution-oriented work environment.

You will be responsible for planning resources, improving workflows, ensuring operational excellence, and partnering closely with stakeholders across Steering, Logistics, Production, and other functions. This is a fully on-site role, requiring flexibility to move between buildings based on operational needs.

This role is limited for 15 months.
*INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN*
If you think you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles

At Zalando, our vision is to be the leading pan-European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e-commerce – one that thrives on diversity and is truly inclusive by design. We believe that diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity, and we actively seek out talent from all backgrounds.

We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and contributions. To support this, we kindly ask that you refrain from including personal details such as your photo, age, or marital status in your CV, ensuring a fair and equitable evaluation based solely on your abilities and potential.

We are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible candidate experience for everyone. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process, please let us know – we are here to assist you.

Discover more about our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace https

*WHAT WE'D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)*

• Lead and manage the Sample and Keystyle Library team across two locations, ensuring clear task distribution, effective communication, and smooth daily operations.
• Together with the Sample Library Supervisors, Oversee the full lifecycle of samples , guaranteeing accurate inbound, tracking, storage, and outbound processes.
• Ensure operational excellence , continuously improving workflows, KPIs, and service levels in partnership with leadership and stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-team collaboration with Steering, Statement, Production, Marketing, and other internal partners.
• Manage escalations and daily problem-solving , ensuring timely and effective resolutions.
• Monitor workload and plan resources , adjusting priorities and staffing based on demand.
• Own reporting and performance visibility , using data to drive decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the team's development , providing coaching, feedback, and guidance in alignment with Zalando leadership principles.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and physical organisation of both Sample Library and Keystyle spaces.

*WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF*

• You have 3–5 years of experience in operations, logistics, studios, warehouse, or a related field , ideally within fashion, retail, or production.
• You have leadership experience managing teams, setting priorities, and driving performance.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to oversee complex workflows across multiple locations.
• A proactive, hands-on mindset—comfortable supporting the team on the ground when needed.
• Ability to work on-site and flexibly move between buildings based on operational requirements.
• Experience with inventory or warehouse management systems ; proficiency in Excel.
• A collaborative, problem-solving approach, able to work with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to handle physical tasks occasionally (e.g., sample handling, space organisation).
• Excellent communication skills in English; German is a plus.

*OUR OFFER*
Zalando provides a range of benefits, here's an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.

• 27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Onsite work with possibility to work-from-home.
• Employee shares program
• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners
• Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)
• Family services, including counseling and support
• Health and wellbeing options (including Wellhub, formerly Gympass)
• Mental health support and coaching available
• Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review

Please note this role is limited to 15 months.