We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Brand Strategist to join our Creative & Brand Strategy team. In this role, you will be the strategic partner to some of the most exciting fashion and lifestyle brands operating on the Zalando platform. You will lead the development of brand strategies that drive distinctiveness, desirability, and business impact, ensuring brand activations are rooted in long-term vision while responding to short-term commercial objectives.
This role is not about communication planning or media activation. It is focused on shaping brands through insight-led brand strategy - defining brand territories, building brand equity, and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints. You will work closely with ZMS Insights, Creative Account Management, and Partner Consultancy to bring holistic brand experiences to life, from strategic development to in-market execution.
In collaboration with the Partner Consultancy unit, you will also help unlock new budgets by identifying strategic opportunities and developing branded advertising proposals that align with long-term brand goals.
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)
Work closely with Creative Account Management and Media strategy team to develop consumer-first brand strategies and frameworks across Zalando’s ecosystem
Partner with Consumer & Retail Insights and ZMS Insights to translate client challenges into brand-building opportunities, rooted in data, cultural trends, and consumer behavior
Develop and present compelling brand narratives and positioning strategies that align with partners' long-term brand vision and Zalando’s platform strengths
Lead and coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure integrated, insight-led brand marketing strategies
Guide tone of voice and ensures brand consistency across Zalando touchpoints (onsite, offsite, and social)
Craft strategic briefs to guide teams in executing brand-consistent activations
Demonstrate thought leadership by identifying trends, brand opportunities, risks, and best practices across fashion, commerce, and culture
Maintain deep understanding of partner brands, their core categories, audiences, and competitive landscape, becoming their strategic advisor within Zalando
Manage multiple large-scale brand initiatives and campaigns simultaneously, with strong prioritization and stakeholder alignment
Collaborate with Business Development, Product, Engineering, and Analytics teams to support the delivery of key brand initiatives and special projects
Review relevant brand performance data to ensure strategy is driving business results, contributing to partner reporting and optimization recommendations
WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF...
[Must have] Minimum 5 years of experience in brand strategy with proven experience working with fashion or lifestyle brands, either in-house, within creative/brand agencies, or in digital/e-commerce environments
Strong portfolio of brand strategy work demonstrating clear thinking, brand-building impact, and business results
Deep understanding of how to build and evolve brands in today’s landscape, across digital, experiential, and cultural platforms
Comfortable with both high-level brand vision and detailed strategic execution
Experience working with creative teams and ensuring brand consistency in execution
Ability to distill complexity into clear, compelling brand stories and strategic frameworks
Confident communicator and presenter, able to engage senior stakeholders internally and externally
Results-driven and solutions-oriented mindset, with strong commercial acumen
Skilled in navigating cross-functional teams and managing multiple workstreams
Passion for fashion, culture, and brand development, with a pulse on emerging consumer behavior and category dynamics
ABOUT ZMS
Zalando Marketing Services (ZMS) is the 360° marketing unit for Zalando's brand partners. We offer a diverse product suite that spans multiple marketing channels, enabling brands to achieve their advertising objectives in the digital space based on deep consumer insights and a unique fashion, beauty, sports and designer context.
Within ZMS’ Partner Management unit we are working with a diverse set of strategic clients and advise them on innovative marketing solutions and scalable platform strategies. Given the high complexity and very individual needs of our key partners we aim to provide a high service level, smart consultancy and access to various experts within ZMS. Our success is measured in revenue generation, solution adoption and client satisfaction.
We're looking for a self-driven Partner Consultant to help our most strategic Streetwear partners, successfully grow their business. You'll work directly with our key clients as a trusted consultant to their business. Your strategic advice & coaching is core to the value we bring as a business. If this sounds like fun, we’d love to hear from you!
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 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 are available
Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review
Learn all about Zalando and our values here: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/?gh_src=22377bdd1us
