Senior Manager- Imagery

Welcome! You made it to the job description page!

At Zappos, we look for people who will show up as their whole self because we value diversity and inclusion, as well as people who enjoy fun and maybe even a little weirdness. So be sure to check on whether you’re aligned with our company values and culture. If you think you can see yourself delivering WOW as a member of the Zappos family, then check out the job description below!

Company Culture is at Our Core

Our 10 Core Values are more than just words, they're a way of life. We know that companies with a strong culture & a higher purpose perform better in the long run. 
Do our values speak to you?

1. Deliver WOW Through Service
2. Embrace and Drive Change
3. Create Fun and A Little Weirdness
4. Be Adventurous, Creative, and Open-Minded
5. Pursue Growth and Learning
6. Build Open and Honest Relationships With Communication
7. Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit
8. Do More With Less
9. Be Passionate and Determined
10. Be Humble

Company Perks: Quick Reference

• Zappos pays 100% of every employee’s medical, dental, and vision benefits.

• Zappos pays 100% of 12 therapy, mental health, or coaching session annually.

• A multitude of benefits and incentives to stay mentally and physically healthy and fit.

• Meaningful assistance programs like professional development, mentoring, and 401k with employer contribution.

• Paid time off for life, vacations, staycations, and rest.

• A generous Zapponian discount program.

• Make an impact through volunteer adventures and other community programs.

• Want to have some fun, too? Yes, please! Enjoy team building, family spirit, and plenty of room to recharge!

Zapponian [noun| employee of Zappos]. You are self-motivated. You think like an entrepreneur, constantly innovating and driving positive change, but more importantly, you consistently deliver mind-boggling results.

Bold [adjective| not afraid of anything]. A role at Zappos is an opportunity to be a part of something different. To go bold. We’re a company that isn’t afraid to take risks and question the status quo. Oh yeah, we like to have fun too.

Perks [noun| the good stuff you get for working hard]. Zappos pays 100% of your medical, dental and vision premiums. Primary care visits, dental exams, eye exams and generic prescriptions are all free. Plus matching 401k, life coaches, orthodontic benefits, and more. And don’t forget, an unlimited 40% Zappos.com discount.

1990s [noun| a decade we love, but no longer live in]. Old school cover letters are so 1990. Want to show us who you really are? Create a video cover letter. A flash mob, a comedic monologue… whatever showcases your passion for Zappos and the work you’d be doing! Videos are not required, but if you create it, we’ll watch it.

Scout [noun| you're a recruiter, too]. As a Zapponian, we’ll ask that you always keep your eye out for great talent to join our family. Consider yourself an extension of the recruiting team, scouting for the best people to grow our company.

Job Overview

The Imagery Sr. Manager is responsible for leading creative and operational Product Imagery and Video teams in the creation of Zappos Imagery strategy, high-quality imagery production at scale, finding the right balance between creative and operational imperatives to meet customer and business needs, and building strong relationships with internal partners and external vendors.

Duties

• Establish Zappos Imagery strategy through market insights, imagery testing, and creation of imagery guidelines.
• Enhance Imagery systems and processes to drive efficiencies and image leveragability across marketing channels.
• Ensuring that Product Imagery and Video teams are appropriately resourced to deliver against business and operational objectives
• Managing changing priorities and implementing plans (staffing, space planning etc.) to meet business needs
• Managing budget based on forecast and target metrics
• Creating external partnerships with vendors/agencies to leverage resources and cost advantages
• Utilizing customer feedback, metrics, and other data to drive improvement and innovation for imaging
• Monitoring industry and competitive trends/innovations
• Identifying opportunities to improve tools, systems, and processes
• Providing leadership, mentoring, training, and development to Product Imagery and Video leaders

Required Competencies

Action Oriented: The ability to take practical steps to deal with a problem or situation.

• Enjoy working hard
• Full of energy for the things one sees as challenging
• Not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning
• Seizes more opportunities than others

Building Effective Teams: The ability to enhance social relations and the effectiveness of work groups by improving goal and role clarification.

• Blends people into teams when needed
• Creates strong morale and spirit within their team(s)
• Shares wins and successes
• Fosters open dialogue
• Let’s people finish and be responsible for their work
• Defines success in terms of the whole team
• Creates a feeling of belonging in the team

Composure: The ability to remain calm when dealing with unforeseen constraints.

• Is cool under pressure
• Does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough
• Is considered mature
• Can be counted on to hold things together during tough times
• Can handle stress
• Is not knocked off balance by the unexpected
• Doesn't show frustration when resisted or blocked
• Is a settling influence in a crisis

Critical Thinking: The ability to think clearly and rationally to understand the logical connection between ideas.

• Has an inquisitive nature
• Works to be and remain well-informed
• Open-minded regarding different perspectives
• Flexible in considering alternative solutions
• Is fair when evaluating the opinions of others
• Open to revise views and/or solutions when warranted

Creativity: The ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, to make connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, and to generate solutions.

• Comes up with a lot of new and unique ideas
• Easily makes connections among previously unrelated notions
• Tends to be seen as original and value-added in brainstorming settings

Data Evaluation: The process of systematically interpreting data.

• Understands key business terms and concepts (KPI, ROI, etc.)
• Can analyze KPIs to spot trends
• Understands how to recognize highlights, trends, red flags, successes, and/or areas for improvement

Dealing with Ambiguity: The ability to adjust to change quickly.

• Is open to change
• Can effectively cope with change
• Can shift gears comfortably
• Can decide and act without having the total picture
• Isn't upset when things are up in the air
• Doesn’t have to finish things before moving on
• Can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty

Decision Quality: The ability to utilize analysis, wisdom, experience, and logical methods to make good decisions and solve difficult problems with effective solutions.

• Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement
• Most of their solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time
• Sought out by others for advice and solutions

Delegation: The ability to effectively assign task responsibility and authority to others.

• Clearly and comfortably delegates both routine and important tasks and decisions
• Broadly shares both responsibility and accountability
• Tends to trust people to perform
• Lets direct reports and others finish their own work

Digital Image Editing - Basic Understanding: The process of modifying or improving photographic images.

• Understands industry-standard digital image editing terminology
• Possesses knowledge of color management
• Understands design principles
• Possesses knowledge of the organization's preferred digital image editing software
• Understands copyright and fair use
• Possesses knowledge of retouching techniques
• Understands photo composition fundamentals

Directing Others: The ability to instruct, guide, and oversee the performance of employees to achieve a goal.

• Is good at establishing clear directions
• Sets stretching objectives
• Distributes the workload appropriately
• Lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner
• Maintains two-way dialogue with others on work and results
• Brings out the best in people

Drive for Results: The ability to focus on the outcome of a situation rather than the process to achieve the outcome.

• Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully
• Is consistently one of the top performers
• Very bottom-line oriented
• Steadfastly pushes self and others for results

Fashion Styling – Basic Understanding: The method of selecting clothing and accessories for fashion shoots.

• Understands color and proportion principles
• Possesses knowledge of fit fundamentals
• Understands prepping procedures for different clothing types and materials
• Possesses knowledge of iron and steam iron use and maintenance

Hiring and Staffing: The ability to find, evaluate, and establish a working relationship with future employees, interns, contractors, and consultants.

• Has a nose for talent
• Hires the best people available from inside or outside
• Is not afraid of selecting strong people
• Assembles talented staffs

Innovation Management: The ability to focus on the development of new products, services, and processes from ideation to realization.

• Is good at bringing the creative ideas of others to market
• Has good judgement about which creative ideas and suggestions will work
• Has a sense about managing the creative process of others
• Can facilitate effective brainstorming
• Can project how potential ideas may play out in the marketplace

Inventory Management: The method used to oversee the flow and storage of goods.

• Capable of determining departmental inventory management strategies and objectives
• Understands how to set up an effective inventory control department
• Understands how to apply trade-off analysis to balance requirements of demand and supply
• Understand the different classes of inventory (raw materials, WIP, finished goods, MRO, service parts, damaged, and obsolete)
• Understand the difference between independent and dependent demand inventory
• Understands how to define the five functions of inventory:
  • Cycle Inventory
  • Safety Inventory
  • Anticipation Inventory
  • Transportation Inventory
  • Hedge Inventory
• Understands how to determine the elements of inventory decision costs, such as fixed, variable, direct, and overhead
• Understands how to calculate inventory carrying costs
• Able to calculate manufacturing and purchasing costs
• Understands the methods of valuing inventory: standard; first in, first out (FIFO); last in, first out (LIFO); average; and actual cost
• Understands the difference between continuous and period review systems of inventory control
• Capable of effectively calculating the inventory required to restock products or parts with inventory models including:
  • Visual review
  • Two-bin inventory system
  • Periodic review
  • Order point
  • Time-phased order point (TPOP)
  • Just-in-Time (JIT)
• Capable of calculating safety stock for independent demand items
• Able to calculate the order quantity through the economic order quantity (EOQ)
• Capable of maintaining high inventory accuracy through various techniques including inventory audits, annual physical inventory, and cycle counting
• Capable of generating reporting detailing inventory financial statements, turnover ratios, activity based cost (ABC) analysis, and inventory performance
• Able to stay up to date on the latest electronic data collection technologies
• Understands lean and JIT concepts and practices
• Able to set up and run a pull system of inventory control

Managerial Courage: The ability to face problems head on and making difficult decisions and taking responsibility for them.

• Doesn't hold back anything that needs to be said
• Provides current, direct, complete, and actionable positive and corrective feedback to others
• Let’s people know where they stand
• Faces up to people problems on any person or situation (not including direct reports) quickly and directly
• Is not afraid to take negative action when necessary

Managing and Measuring Work: The ability to establish clear goals and expectations, review progress, and provide timely feedback.

• Clearly assigns responsibility for tasks and decisions
• Sets clear objectives and measures
• Monitors process, progress, and results
• Designs feedback loops into the work

Managing Through Systems: The ability to implement tools, methods, and policies that allow others to complete their part in achieving the overall goal.

• Can design practices, processes, and procedures which allow managing from a distance
• Is comfortable letting things manage themselves without intervening
• Can make things work through others without being there
• Can impact people and results remotely

Motivating Others: The ability to elicit an individual to exhibit a positive behavior, response, or action.

• Creates a climate in which people want to do their best
• Can motivate many kinds of direct reports and team or project members
• Can assess each person's hot button and use it to get the best out of them
• Pushes tasks and decisions down
• Empowers others
• Invites input from each person and shares ownership and visibility
• Makes each individual feel their work is important
• Is someone people like working for and with

Office Productivity Software Utilization – Working Experience: The knowledge and ability to work with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs.

• Able to utilize word processing software to create and edit documents through the following techniques:
  • Create a new document, enter text, and save it.
  • Open and edit existing documents.
  • Navigate in a document and perform a search.
  • Select and move text.
  • Format characters and paragraphs; work with tabs, indents, margins, lists, breaks, spacing.
  • Use AutoCorrect and Help tools.
  • Create and edit tables.
  • Control page and document appearance.
  • Print documents, envelopes, and labels.
• Able to utilize spreadsheet software to create and edit workbooks and worksheets through the following techniques:
  • Open files and use page setup.
  • Enter, correct, and save data.
  • Use the menu commands.
  • Format cells, rows, and columns.
  • Understand navigation and movement techniques.
  • Use simple arithmetic functions in the formulas.
  • Access Help.
  • Modify a database and insert data from another application.
  • Print worksheets and workbooks.
• Able to utilize presentation software to create and run presentations through the following techniques:
  • Create title and bullet slides.
  • Create Slides in Outline view.
  • Modify slide text and check spelling.
  • Select a template
  • Insert a table.
  • Work with text, drawn objects, and drawing tools.
  • Use ClipArt and WordArt.
  • Create an Organization Chart and use options.
  • Edit a Column Chart.
  • Change text and bullets in the Slide Master and remove objects.
  • Use Slide Show options; add transitions and animation.
  • Run a manual and an animated Slide Show.
  • Work with Notes.
  • Print a presentation.

Presentation Skills: The ability to deliver a presentation or speech to a live audience in a structured, deliberate manner in order to inform, influence, or entertain the audience.

• Is effective in a variety of formal presentation settings: small or large groups, with peers, direct reports, and/or bosses
• Is effective both inside and outside of the organization on both cool data and hot and controversial topics
• Commands attention and can manage group processes during the presentation
• Can change tactics midstream when something isn't working

Priority Setting: The ability to create an efficient order of tasks based on importance and/or urgency.

• Spends one's time and the time of others on what's important
• Quickly zeroes in on the critical few and puts the trivial aside
• Can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal
• Eliminates roadblocks
• Creates focus

Process Management: The ability to apply knowledge, experience, and systems to define and improve procedures.

• Good at figuring out the processes necessary to get things done
• Knows how to organize people and activities
• Understands how to separate and combine tasks into efficient work flows
• Knows what to measure and how to measure it
• Can see opportunities for synergy and integration where others might not
• Can simplify complex processes
• Gets more out of fewer resources

Product Awareness: The understanding of specific, product information for the merchandise offered by the organization.

• Understands the different product categories offered by the organization (e.g. Kids' Apparel, Men's Footwear, etc.)
• Possesses knowledge of key terminology for each product category
• Understands any measurement information/requirements for each product category
• Possesses knowledge of the development or manufacturing procedures/processes for merchandise in each product category
• Understands the basic, intended purpose and capabilities for merchandise in each product category
• Possesses knowledge of the different resources available for brand/vendor specific product information
• Understands the approximate lifespan of merchandise in each product category
• Possesses knowledge of any care or maintenance requirements for merchandise in each product category

Time Management: The ability to organize and plan how to divide your time between specific activities.

• Uses their time effectively and efficiently
• Values time
• Concentrates their efforts on the more important priorities
• Gets more done in less time than others
• Can attend to a broader range of activities

Video and Imaging Equipment Setup and Breakdown: The ability assemble and dissemble equipment used in the imaging and/or video recording process.

• Understands the safety procedures for the organization's video studio
• Possesses knowledge of set up and break down procedures for imaging and video recording equipment for both in-studio and on-location shoots:
  • Continuous Lighting
  • On-Camera Lighting
  • On-Camera Batteries
  • Light Modifiers
  • Light Stands and Mounting
  • Power Supplies
  • Electronic Ballasts
  • Cables and Connectors
  • Backgrounds
  • Posing Equipment
  • Autopole
  • Ladders
  • Tabletop/Cubelite Shooting equipment
  • Rail Systems
• Understands the proper storage procedure for all imaging and video recording equipment

Video Editing - Basic Understanding: The process of editing and manipulating segments of recorded video.

• Possesses knowledge of proper utilization of the organization's preferred video editing software
  • Timeline-based video editing software
  • Digital visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing applications
• Understands the differences between liner and non-linear video editing
• Possesses knowledge of production switching
• Understands shot transition principles
• Possesses knowledge of audio timing and synching
• Possesses knowledge of video resolutions and audio sampling rates

Warehouse Management: The process of overseeing warehouse operations and facilities.

• Able to control the movement and storage of products or materials within a warehouse
• Capable of implementing/utilizing a Warehouse Management System (WMS)
• Able to apply a total systems approach to designing and managing the entire flow of information, materials, and services — from raw materials, suppliers, through factories and warehouses, and finally to the customer
• Able to monitor the movement of products through a warehouse
• Able to maintain receiving, warehousing, and distribution operations by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing program, operational, and personnel policies and procedures
• Able to provide and transform inputs into products and services and link to the distribution network and local service providers that localize the product
• Understands federal, state, and local warehousing, material handling, and shipping requirements and how to enforce adherence to requirements
• Able to maintain physical condition of warehouse by planning and implementing new design layouts, inspecting equipment, and issuing work orders for repair and requisitions for replacement

Warehouse Operations: The process of storing goods until they are needed to satisfy customers' needs and requirements while utilizing space, equipment, and labor effectively.

• Understands the process of receiving, storing, and shipping materials to and from production or distribution locations by incorporating warehousing activities
• Understands the difference between "picking" and "slotting" techniques, and what best suits particular areas of the warehouse to maximize efficiency
• Able to configure warehouses to have formal storage locations that identify the row, rack section, level, and shelf location, typically with an alphanumeric location bar code or label
• Understands how to place high-turn items closest to packing and shipping areas, which will reduce picking, put-away times, and transportation within the warehouse
• Capable of selecting random locations when travel distances are not an important consideration and when overall utilization of warehouse space is important
• Understands how well picking integrates with receiving and shipping, and try to optimize the entire process
• Understands automation technology, including vertical and horizontal carousels, conveyors, automatic sticker cranes, automatic pallet wrappers and many other mechanization
• Capable of periodically evaluating potential automation projects, identifying whether or not any proposed investment provides an acceptable financial return

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of experience working within the Product Imagery and Video team
• Communication and Interpersonal Abilities: Customer-centric mindset
  with excellent communication skills. Strong interpersonal and
  leadership skills to influence across the organization
• Analytical Mindset: Proficiency in data analysis and performance
  metrics
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and
  adapt to changing priorities. Ability to prioritize amidst ambiguity and
  competing priorities
• Excellent problem solving and negotiation skills
• Microsoft Office proficient

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

The Fine Print

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Zappos is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for applicants at this time.

The Zappos Family of Companies is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, disability, history of disability or perceived disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at recruiting@zappos.com or call us at 1.702.943.7777.

To all recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.