Talent Acquisition Partner (all genders) - 12 Month (Maternity Cover)

Step Into a Pivotal Talent Role at Zalando
We’re looking for a skilled and proactive Talent Acquisition Partner to join Zalando on a 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover). In this role, you’ll take full ownership of a diverse and high-impact portfolio—ranging from central business functions (such as HR, Corporate Governance, Technology, and more) to high-volume hiring for our retail operations.

As a key partner to the business, you’ll bring a data-informed, hands-on approach to talent acquisition—combining active sourcing, strategic collaboration with employer branding, and a commitment to delivering an outstanding candidate experience. If you're passionate about driving hiring excellence, building strong stakeholder relationships, and navigating a wide spectrum of roles with agility and ownership, this opportunity offers a unique seat at the table within one of Europe’s leading online platforms.

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)

• Embrace Versatility: Masterfully manage end-to-end recruitment processes for a diverse range of roles, from entry, mid, and senior management corporate functions as well as high-volume frontline positions. 
• Be a Sourcing Expert: Proactively identify, attract, and engage top talent using a variety of channels, with a strong emphasis on direct sourcing through LinkedIn and Xing. You'll craft compelling outreach messages and build robust talent pipelines.
• Collaborate & Connect: Work closely with existing recruitment teams, hiring managers, and senior leaders across various business units. Your low-ego, high-collaboration approach will be key to understanding needs and delivering results.
• Drive the Full Cycle: Take ownership of the entire recruitment journey, from initial briefing and candidate screening through to complex offer negotiations and closing.
• Champion Candidate Experience: Ensure every candidate interaction is positive and reflective of Zalando's employer brand.
• Adapt and Support: Flexibly pivot your focus to support different departments as business needs evolve, demonstrating agility and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Navigate Local Nuances: An understanding of German workers' councils and the process for submitting hearing documents for recruitment would be a distinct advantage.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF

• You're a Seasoned Recruiter: You bring proven experience in end-to-end recruitment, ideally with a background in both agency and in-house environments.
• Your Adaptable: You can demonstrate your success in delivering hires for both high-volume positions (e.g., retail shop floor, warehouse, or equivalent frontline roles) AND corporate function roles (ideally including experience hiring for HR disciplines).
• You're a Sourcing Pro: You have a strong track record of making successful hires on a monthly basis through direct research and outreach on platforms like LinkedIn and Xing.
• You're Bilingual (German/English): You are fluent in both German and English, capable of conducting competency-based behavioral interviews and complex negotiations in both languages.
• You're a Master Collaborator: You possess a low-ego, highly collaborative mindset, essential for integrating with multiple teams and stakeholders effectively. You build trust and rapport with ease.
• You're Driven by Professionalism: You have a growth mindset, a passion for operational excellence, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.

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