THE ROLE & THE TEAM
Join Zalando’s Brand Media team as Sr. Manager/Lead Digital Media with Focus on Programmatic and help shape how we plan, activate, and scale digital media across the business. We’re looking for a strategic generalist with a strong track record in digital media and deep programmatic expertise to lead our evolving approach across 25+ markets.

Approximately 60% of your time will focus on programmatic — managing key partners such as Google (DV360, YouTube), Teads, Spotify, Netflix, and DoubleVerify, driving in-housing efforts, and supporting the development of scalable media solutions. You’ll lead the shift towards programmatic-first buying, embedding best practices and raising maturity across teams.

The remaining scope includes broader digital media initiatives. You’ll contribute to cross-channel planning, strategic projects, and work with creative, analytics, and marketing teams to ensure our media approach is integrated, measurable, and future-ready.

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

At Zalando, our vision is to be the leading pan-European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e-commerce - one that is inclusive by design. We only assess candidates based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applications from people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, personal expressions, racial identities, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and disability statuses. We only want to know why you’re great for this role, so please avoid including your picture, age, and marital status in your CV as well.

We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Please feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support and assist you throughout the hiring process.

do.BETTER - our diversity & inclusion strategy: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/our-culture/diversity-and-inclusion

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

• Lead Programmatic Strategy
  Drive the overarching vision and roadmap for Zalando’s global programmatic approach to fuel wider marketing goals. Use your strategic expertise to future-proof capabilities, advance in-housing, and lead experimentation that spans platforms and buying models.

• Drive Programmatic Innovation & Scalable Solutions
  Transform traditional media buying into a programmatic-first model. Shape the roadmap for programmatic media products, including scalable inventory packages, and deliver through close collaboration with tech, analytics, and platform partners.

• Partner Management
  Own, grow and build strategic relationships with partners including Google (YouTube, DV360), TheTradeDesk, Netflix, Spotify, Teads, Magnite, Xandr, Index Exchange, and DoubleVerify. Lead QBRs, shape joint roadmaps, and oversee PG/PMP deal execution to secure premium inventory and alignment.

• Lead Broader Digital Media Innovation & Strategic Projects
  Contribute to Zalando’s overall media transformation by driving strategic initiatives in areas like planning, experimentation, measurement, and creative integration. Play a key role in projects such as full-funnel marketing, content innovation, or market expansion.

• Execute & Optimise Campaigns
  Support teams during major campaign cycles and coverage periods, ensuring operational excellence in QA, activation, and troubleshooting. Champion data-driven decision making through precise targeting and advanced audience strategies.

• Champion Measurement & Incrementality
  Demonstrate the value of programmatic through structured experimentation — from incrementality testing and custom bidding to audience uplift and creative testing. Translate results into actionable insights with support from analytics and creative partners.

• Ensure Brand Safety & Compliance
  Maintain high standards in brand safety, viewability, and fraud prevention through consistent integration of tools such as IAS, DoubleVerify, and MOAT. Drive governance and alignment across Zalando’s media operations.

• Empower Teams & Stakeholders
  Coach and challenge digital media teams across markets, increasing programmatic capability and consistency. Deliver insight-driven recommendations to senior stakeholders and foster collaboration across creative, analytics, and marketing functions.
   

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF

• You bring 8+ years of experience in digital media, with strong hands-on and strategic expertise in programmatic across display, video, CTV, audio, or DOOH

• You have a proven track record in partner and platform management, including experience with PG/PMP deals and global partners such as Google, Teads, Spotify, and Netflix

• You possess strong adtech expertise, with practical knowledge of DSPs, DCOs, brand safety tools, and automation platforms

• You excel at translating data into insight, using audience segmentation, dynamic creative, and first-party data to optimise campaigns

• You have a solid understanding of performance measurement, attribution, incrementality testing, and platform reporting nuances

• You’ve led or contributed to complex, multi-market projects, and are confident managing timelines, budgets, and competing priorities

• You thrive in fast-paced environments and have the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational involvement when needed

• You’re an articulate communicator who can engage senior stakeholders and influence decision-making across teams

• You understand how digital media connects to brand growth and commercial impact, and can position programmatic as a lever within wider strategy

• You’re a team player who invests in coaching, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement

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!

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.

• Employee shares program

• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners

• 2 paid volunteering days a year

• Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration

• Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year

• 27 days of vacation a year to start for full-time employees

• 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