Head of Program Management (all genders)

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Global Program Management Organization (PMO) helps Zalando achieve its strategy by driving the intake and successful delivery of Zalando’s most impactful, collaborative, and technically complex initiatives. In order to deliver against the organisational ambitions and goals, we steer the complexity and challenges around prioritisation, ranking and transparency while owning the process. Our organisation with its Leadership, Portfolio Managers, Program Managers, and Project Managers ensure these initiatives are driven to successful delivery across services, products, business units and teams in the organisation.

THE ROLE

To manage the accountability and the ambitious goals of the Global Program Management Organization (GPMO), we are seeking to hire an experienced and visionary program management leader to lead and manage a program management team, and lead the adaptation and implementation of Zalando program management standards in an effective manner. In this role, the candidate will be one of the most visible program management leaders at an organisational level enabling the execution of Zalando’s Group Strategy. As the Head of Program Management you manage program management professionals, drive GPMO goals, enable the execution of Zalando’s Group Strategy, implement and continuously raise the bar on program management targets and metrics, and oversee key ceremonies and standard processes for program management together with the GPMO Leadership Team and respective executive leaders. 

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

• Leadership & Vision
  Strategic Thinking: Responsible for aligning program goals with the organisation’s long-term vision and strategic objectives. Capable of translating high-level strategy into actionable plans for program managers. Inspiring Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership qualities to inspire and motivate program managers and their teams. Provide clear direction, support, and mentorship to program managers. Make yourself accountable for strengthening the talent across the company, actively contribute to hiring, developing and retaining talent that will make us better, and you support building succession plans for your team. Adapt your leadership style to support your team and build trust, delegate to empower your team giving them freedom while being available for guidance and advice, and help your team navigate through uncertainty and change. Diversity & Inclusion: Promote and support diversity and inclusion within the program management team and across programs. Create an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated. Ethical Standards: Uphold high ethical standards and integrity in all program management activities. Ensure programs are conducted with transparency and accountability.
   

• Program Management Expertise
  Comprehensive Knowledge: Showcase a deep understanding of program management principles, methodologies, and best practices. Experience in managing large, complex programs across multiple domains or industries. Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across multiple programs. Ability to establish a risk management culture and processes among program managers.
   

• Operational Excellence
  Resource Management: Expertise in resource planning and allocation to ensure optimal use of human, financial, and technological resources. Ability to balance resource constraints and prioritise programs effectively. Performance Monitoring: Skills in setting and monitoring KPIs, metrics, and performance indicators to track program success and drive continuous improvement. Proficient in using portfolio management tools and software for performance tracking.
   

• Stakeholder Management
  Engagement & Communication: Strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels, including executives and team members. Ability to represent the organisation’s interests and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders. Foster strong relationships with key partners to enhance collaboration and project success. Conflict Resolution: Competence in resolving conflicts and negotiating between stakeholders with differing priorities and interests.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement. Drive a culture of innovation within the organisation, encouraging the exploration of new ideas and technologies. Continuously evaluate and improve program management processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Financial Acumen
  Budget Management: Proficiency in budgeting, financial planning, and financial management of large-scale programs. Ability to ensure programs are delivered within budget constraints and achieve financial targets. Cost Benefit Analysis: Skills in conducting cost-benefit analyses to make informed decisions about program investments and prioritizations.
   

• Change Management
  Adaptability: Ability to manage and drive change within the organisation, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption. Expertise in implementing change management frameworks and practices. Innovation & Improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and innovation among program managers.
   

• Team Development
  Mentorship & Coaching: Provide mentorship and coaching to program managers to develop their skills and competencies. Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment. Talent Management: Identify and develop talent within the program management team, ensuring a pipeline of capable leaders.
   

• Governance & Compliance
  Governance Frameworks: Implement and oversee governance frameworks to ensure programs are managed according to organisational policies and industry standards. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. Audit & Review: Conduct regular audits and reviews of programs to ensure adherence to governance and compliance standards.
   

• Technology Proficiency
  Digital Tools & Platforms: Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for program and portfolio management. Stay updated with emerging technologies and integrate relevant tools to enhance program management efficiency.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF YOU

• You are a strategic thinker with a proven ability to drive business outcomes through effective program management.

• Have experience working in dynamic and fast-paced environments.

• Have extensive years of experience in the tech, e-commerce and online industry and a strong experience as a leader. 

• Can navigate in the tech as well as business related context and is experienced in acting as the link between strategy and execution for all hierarchy levels.

• Possess great interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills with all forms stakeholders up to the C-suite that allow you to speak with precision, clarity, and empathy.

• Developed and/or managed a PMO or program management department. 

• Be comfortable with ambiguity and change while bringing solutions to help move decisions and the organisation forward.

• Mastered project management methodology and frameworks, especially in an agile environment.

• Have an ability to articulate a vision and enable your team to execute on goals, measure success, and iterate as needed.

• Have a record of attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent.

• Have empathy, awareness, and understanding related to working in a mission driven and highly diverse and inclusive environment like Zalando.

• Have a near native language English writing and speaking skills.

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. Learn all about Zalando and our values here: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/?gh_src=22377bdd1us 

• 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% (or more) 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 counselling and support

• Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)

• Mental health support and coaching available

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. 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