THE ROLE & THE TEAM

At Zalando SE, we are seeking a proactive and sport-minded Assistant Buyer to join our dynamic Sports Category Management team. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about active lifestyles, emerging trends in sportswear, and driven to shape an inspiring assortment that caters to sports enthusiasts.
In this role, you will play a key part in curating and optimising our product selection – from performance apparel and footwear to accessories and equipment – while supporting a smooth and efficient ordering process. You’ll work closely with our sports suppliers and collaborate cross-functionally with teams such as Planning, Logistics, Content Production, and Marketing.
You will support your team across analytical, operational, and creative tasks, taking ownership of order preparation, system uploads, and selected performance KPIs. Through your work, you’ll contribute to both the commercial success and the category vision of Zalando Sports, helping deliver an excellent experience to our customers.

WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)

• Ensure all operational processes are completed to a high standard, using Zalando’s Buying tools and systems to manage order creation and execution.
• Begin to plan, buy, and develop your own small assortment area, taking ownership of key performance KPIs and communicating Zalando’s strategy to selected brand partners.
• Support the team with marketing initiatives and trend-related topics, contributing to the unit’s creative and commercial strategy.
• Prepare product-based analyses to support trading decisions and build proposals for assortment selection and line planning.
• Gradually join strategic and trading meetings independently for a defined set of brands.
• Assist with day-to-day operational tasks including order creation, maintenance, cancellations, and follow-up to ensure process accuracy and timeliness.
• Act as a key contact for a broad supplier base, supporting buyers in setting up and maintaining condition contracts.
• Collaborate closely with the Planning team to ensure product availability and alignment on commercial targets.