Applied Science Manager - Ranking Algorithms

Applied Science Manager - Ranking Algorithms (Berlin)

As an Applied Science Manager in Zalando's Ranking Algorithms team, you will be part of a cross-functional team of applied scientists and engineers that is contributing directly to how customers can discover and navigate Zalando's vast assortment, in a way that's deeply relevant and personal to them.

You will be an Applied Science Manager with a background in AI, Machine Learning or Data Science-thinking and strategizing rigorously and methodically about algorithmic capabilities that solve problems for tens of millions of customers and improve their online fashion shopping experience across all Zalando's markets. You'll guide teams through the entire lifecycle: understanding the customer problem, data exploration, solution design, development, deployment, testing and monitoring. You'll help define and then own performance indicators for key parts of the customer journey.

This is a rare opportunity to take your expertise in software engineering, your interest in AI and your skills with delivery and leadership, applying them all to product and online experiences used and loved by millions of people every day.
WHERE YOUR EXPERTISE IS NEEDED

• Team Management: Recruit, empower and support Applied Scientists and Software Engineers, reviewing and guiding their work, creating conditions for high-quality deliveries and career growth.
• Project Management: Support the team in defining and executing roadmaps, in a way that integrates the high level of uncertainty and complexity involved in our projects.
• Applied Science Excellence: Raise the bar, engage the team into defining and adopting always better standards in Applied Science and Software Engineering
• Communication and Leadership: As a scientific competence center make sure the team collaborates smoothly with other teams and other job functions.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 2+ years experience leading and developing cross-functional science and/or engineering teams within an international, agile environment. Preferably with experience in e-commerce or with ML at scale
• A solid background (MSc or PhD degree) in a quantitative scientific discipline with a strong understanding of machine learning as well as end-to-end development lifecycle of data-driven products.
• Proven academic or industrial track record in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Recommender Systems, Information Retrieval, Ranking and/or Natural Language Processing.
• You have solid software engineering skills, expert in Python (and relevant packages like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), experience in Cloud Computing services (e.g. AWS), Spark or PySpark. Experience with state-of-the-art deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
• You have experience with developing long term research roadmaps and applying the scientific method to tackle research problems. Strong drive to partnering with product and science/engineering managers to connect and solve business problems with scientific solutions.
• You have effective communication skills in English, with an ability to understand and translate business and user requirements across teams.

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN
At Zalando, our vision is to be the starting point for fashion - 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://corporate.zalando.com/en/diversity-inclusion

Our employee resource groups: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/diversity-inclusion/our-employee-resource-groups
ZALANDO BENEFITS
Career Development

• We offer peer-to-peer performance reviews twice a year
• Learn and develop through our extensive Zalando training platform
• Join regular all-hands, team meetings, Q&A-sessions, and quarterly anonymous employee surveys to ask your questions and provide your feedback
• Support from an international team of experts; mentoring and professional development opportunities

Wellbeing

• 2 days paid leave per year for volunteering
• Minimum of 27 holiday days per calendar year
• Online sports courses, wellbeing, and nutrition advice offered by Humanoo personal wellbeing coach app
• Mental wellbeing support by our Employee Assistance Program and professional consultants to help you find health resources

Flexibility

• Flexible working hours
• Relocation assistance available for internationals
• Home office equipment available for hybrid working, to support you working from home
• Hybrid working model with 60% remote per week
• Opportunity to work from abroad for 30 (working) days per calendar year

Financial

• Access to the employee shares program
• 40% shopping discount on products shipped and sold by Zalando, and 30% discount on Zalando Lounge
• Discounts from a wide range of external partners

Family

• Employee parents' forums and employee resource group
• Supported transition into and out of parental leave, with a buddy and re-onboarding plan
• 3 fully-paid child sick days per year
• Free counselling, assistance, and referral service for all matters concerning yourself and your family via the Fürstenberg Institute

ABOUT ZALANDO
It's the perfect time to join Zalando on our journey, from being a pioneer in the world of e-commerce, to the starting point for fashion in Europe. We connect customers, brands, and partners across 23 markets.

Help us drive digital and sustainable solutions for fashion, logistics, advertising and research, bringing head-to-toe fashion to more than 46 million active customers through a team of diverse skill-sets, cultural backgrounds, and interests.

Our values: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/our-founding-mindset

do.More - our sustainability strategy: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/sustainability

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/insidezalando

Please note that all applications must be completed using the online form - we do not accept applications via email.