Sustainability Data & Operations Manager

THE ROLE & THE TEAM

Our Sustainability and Compliance team leads strategic initiatives across Zalando's pan-European network to minimize environmental impact and drive circular economy practices. We navigate complex regulatory landscapes to ensure our business models remain compliant, efficient, and aligned with our commitment to sustainable fashion e-commerce.

As a Sustainability Data & Operations Manager, you will focus on the day-to-day execution, validation, and operational maintenance of our Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting. Working closely with data analysts, engineering teams, and senior compliance leads, you will act as a key operational gatekeeper for our automated data pipelines, verifying submission accuracy, supporting recurring audit preparations, assisting with Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) partner coordination, and executing documentation workflows for eco-modulation fee reductions.

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

• Execute EPR Data Validation & Quality Control: Perform routine data checks and review automated outputs across reporting tools (e.g., Databricks, BI dashboards). Flag anomalies, trace reporting discrepancies, and collaborate with data analysts to refine logic and maintain accurate PRO submissions.
• Support PRO Operations & Administration: Coordinate day-to-day communication, reporting schedules, and administrative filings with PROs across our European markets. Assist senior stakeholders during contract renewal cycles, documentation collection, and tendering processes.
• Coordinate Audit Preparation & Documentation: Compile evidence, prepare data samples, and organize defensible audit trails for annual EPR and sustainability audits under the guidance of senior team members.
• Implement Eco-modulation Workflows: Collect required product and packaging attributes and suppliers certificates to support eco-modulation bonus applications. Work with data analysts to ensure relevant data points are mapped correctly into reporting templates to capture cost savings.
• Map Operational Data Requirements: Assist in translating EPR regulatory guidelines and reporting templates into clear inputs and tracking sheets for technical teams.
• Monitor Regulatory Updates: Track country-specific reporting changes, deadlines, and fee revisions across European jurisdictions, keeping internal documentation and filing trackers up to date.

WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF

• Hands-on European Compliance Foundation: You bring practical experience working with EPR compliance, waste stream reporting (packaging, textiles, or WEEE), or product compliance across European markets.
• Data-Savvy & Detail-Oriented: You are comfortable working with structured datasets and reporting interfaces (such as BI dashboards, Excel/Google Sheets, or data querying platforms like Databricks) to review, cross-check, and reconcile figures.
• Process-Driven Execution: You are organized, structured, and dependable at managing recurring deadlines, documentation requirements, and cross-team information requests.
• Cost & Fee Awareness: You understand PRO fee structures, tariff categories, and the basic mechanisms behind eco-modulation fee adjustments.
• Effective Stakeholder Communication: You can communicate clearly with external service providers (PROs, scheme operators) and collaborate smoothly across internal functions like logistics, commercial teams, and data analytics.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: You enjoy digging into reporting discrepancies, understanding edge cases, and proposing concrete operational fixes.

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.

• 27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (+1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days)
• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners
• Family support, including counselling and dedicated services for parents and carers
• Company pension scheme
• Employee shares programme
• Health and wellbeing options, including Wellhub
• Mental health support and coaching
• Development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Relocation assistance (subject to prior agreement)

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

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!

At Zalando, our vision is to be the leading European technology platform for fashion and lifestyle - one that thrives on diversity and is truly inclusive by design. We believe that diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity, and we actively seek out talent from all backgrounds.

We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and contributions. To support this, we kindly ask that you refrain from including personal details such as your photo, age, or marital status in your CV, ensuring a fair and equitable evaluation based solely on your abilities and potential.

We are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible candidate experience for everyone. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process, please let us know - we are here to assist you.

Discover more about our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/our-culture/diversity-and-inclusion