The Working Capital Manager (all genders) role is a key part of Zalando’s Finance organization, sitting at the intersection of Planning, Controlling, and Treasury. This role is focused on steering and optimising Net Working Capital (NWC) to support Zalando’s growth and capital efficiency ambitions. You will take ownership of reporting, forecasting, and driving targeted improvements across key working capital components—such as payables, receivables, and inventory.
We’re looking for a self-driven finance professional with strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of cash flow mechanics, and the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations. If you’re passionate about shaping working capital strategy and want to make a tangible impact on Zalando’s financial flexibility and performance, we’d love to hear from you.
INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN
At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. And this vision starts with our hiring - we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. You are welcome to leave out your picture, age, or marital status from your application. We only assess candidates on their qualifications and merit.
We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support you throughout the hiring process.
do.BETTER - our diversity & inclusion strategy: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/dobetter-our-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy
Our employee resource groups: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/our-employee-resource-groups
WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)
Actively steer and optimize Net Working Capital (NWC) by analysing asset days trends (DSO, DPO, DIO), identifying improvement areas, and designing target‑oriented strategies.
Deliver variance analysis (actual vs. plan), explaining drivers and providing clear, actionable insights to support business performance.
Support NWC and liquidity planning and forecasting, contributing analysis to improve in-house cash decisions and overall forecast quality.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives by partnering with business finance and commercial teams as well as treasury and payment teams to optimize both processes and products.
Lead proactive steering actions independently, not just reporting issues but suggesting solutions and ownership of implementation.
Deploy process and system enhancements: define specs, drive tool improvements and ensure consistency in working capital management practices.
Advise on strategic trade‑offs between working capital, profitability, growth, and risk, presenting balanced options at senior stakeholder levels on an ad-hoc basis.
Strengthen NWC awareness across the organisation by improving training, tools and communication, ensuring efficient and aligned NWC planning.
WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF
You hold a Bachelor's, Master’s, or MBA in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or similar.
You bring 3–5 years’ hands-on experience in working capital and cash steering, which is enough to work with autonomy but still benefiting from senior mentoring.
You have strong financial analysis & modelling skills (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, DCF/ROI) and comfort with KPI trend analysis.
You’re proficient with BI and office tools (Excel, Power BI/Tableau, Microstrategy) and have solid experience with ERP systems (SAP, SAC or equivalents).
You’re a data‑driven, structured thinker who can also synthesise insights and craft compelling messages for senior audiences.
You communicate in a clear, structured manner, build strong interpersonal connections and effectively manage stakeholders across diverse departments.
You have a proactive, solution-oriented mindset, ready to identify issues, propose actionable improvements, and see them through.
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 Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners
2 paid volunteering days a year
Hybrid working model with 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
Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)
Family services, including counseling and support
Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)
Mental health support and coaching available
Learn all about Zalando and our values here: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/?gh_src=22377bdd1us
