Applied Science Manager / Lounge by Zalando (all genders)

About the role

This role involves leading an interdisciplinary team of Applied Scientists and Engineers within Lounge by Zalando, an online shopping club operating across over 20 European markets. The core mission of this team is to develop and refine a world-class pricing algorithm. This algorithm will leverage machine learning and operations research to optimize discounts on a significant volume of goods, directly impacting the company's high-growth strategy in pricing and assortment optimization.

The manager will be responsible for defining and executing project roadmaps, navigating the complexities and uncertainties inherent in developing advanced pricing solutions. A key aspect of the role is identifying and developing high-impact pricing levers, ensuring that the team's work contributes directly to business goals. Success in this position means not only delivering robust technical solutions but also fostering an environment where the team adopts cutting-edge best practices and engineering standards.

Beyond technical leadership, the Applied Science Manager will mentor and develop their team members, guiding their career trajectories and cultivating an inclusive team culture. Effective communication and problem-solving abilities are essential, as the manager will need to interact across various levels of the organization to ensure project alignment and successful implementation of solutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of bringing solutions from initial concept to production.

The salary for this full-time lead position ranges from $110,000 to $165,000 USD.

Skills that matter here

• Machine Learning: This role involves leveraging machine learning to develop and optimize pricing algorithms for fashion and lifestyle products.
• Python: Strong experience with Python is required for applied contexts within the team's development work.
• Operations Research: The role uses operations research principles to optimize discount strategies and pricing algorithms.
• Economics: A background in economics, or similar quantitative fields, is relevant for understanding pricing strategies and market dynamics.

Who this role suits

• A leader with at least two years of experience guiding technical teams in environments with evolving project scopes.
• Someone with a strong quantitative background (PhD or MSc) and at least five years of industry experience in relevant fields.
• An individual who excels at mentoring technical talent and fostering a collaborative team culture.
• A person capable of translating complex ideas into actionable roadmaps and communicating effectively across different organizational levels.

From the employer

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing, interdisciplinary team of Applied Scientists and Engineers.
• Mentor and grow technical talent, guide career trajectories, and foster an inclusive team culture.
• Define and execute roadmaps, navigating project uncertainty and complexity.
• Identify and develop high-impact pricing levers.
• Inspire the team to adopt cutting-edge best practices and engineering standards.
• Communicate and problem-solve effectively across all levels.

Requirements

• PhD or MSc in a quantitative field, with at least 5+ years of industry experience in Machine Learning, operations research, forecasting, economics, or similar fields.
• 2+ years of experience in people and project leadership in ambiguous environments.
• Proven track record in developing solutions from initial idea to production.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong experience with Python in applied context.

Conditions

• 27 days of holiday a year for full-time employees.
• 2 paid volunteering days a year.
• Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week.
• Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year.
• Employee shares program.
• Discounts on fashion and beauty products.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Family services, including counseling and support.
• Health and wellbeing options.
• Mental health support and coaching available.
• Development through training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review.