Product management: no two days are the same

My name is Joanna and I have been with bonprix since 2009. I currently head one of the three product management departments and I love what I do. But my path to bonprix was not always so clear. I started in marketing as a product range consultant. Even then, I worked closely with product management to provide advice on the product range and prices based on market and customer insights.

After seven years, I felt the urge for a new challenge. The market was changing and I wanted to grow too. By chance, a position as a project manager became available. For a year, I immersed myself in the fast fashion process and the restructuring of the shoes and accessories division. It was an exciting time during which I learned a lot about product development. Then came the big opportunity: a maternity cover as Head of Product Management for our then trend-conscious sub-brand “Rainbow” . Although I originally came from marketing and had only had my first contact with product management as a career changer, I was given the trust to take on this position. And that was the decisive moment for me – I realised that I was in exactly the right place in the product sector and could fully live out my passion for fashion.

A feel for fashion and customers

I have been Vice President of Product Management since 2022 and, since March 2024, I have been responsible for the women’s outerwear fashion divisions and the footwear and accessories ranges, as well as the new Creative Product Development department. In my role, I am responsible for strategic development. This also includes optimising product performance to differentiate us in the market and target our customers even more effectively. My strengths lie in my keen sense of fashion and commerciality, as well as my ability to see things from the customer’s perspective. I am driven to always achieve the best for our customers and to continuously improve our product range.

Career changers welcome

What I particularly like about bonprix is its openness to career changers and the opportunity for continuous development. Everyone works as equals here, and cooperation is a top priority. I appreciate the freedom I have been given to realise my ideas and to make mistakes – because that is exactly how you learn. I also pass these values on to my managers. They are allowed to work independently and effectively, and we have a genuine partnership. Praise and criticism are not a one-way street, but work in both directions. This is the only way we can grow together.

Variety guaranteed

What I find particularly fascinating about my work is that you constantly have to adapt to new situations. The market changes quickly and requires flexibility. No two days are the same, and things often turn out differently than planned. I find this constant variety and the challenge of adapting to new developments exciting – there’s never a dull moment.

For the future, I am particularly looking forward to further establishing bonprix as a strong fashion brand. I firmly believe that our fashion expertise and the continuous development of our products will continue to inspire many customers.

My tip for anyone aspiring to a similar career at bonprix? Be brave, have confidence in your abilities and be prepared to take on new challenges time and time again. No one is left alone here, and there is always someone at your side to support you – that’s what makes bonprix such a special place to work!

For me, fashion means having the freedom to express yourself and change. This freedom also inspires me in my job to constantly explore new paths and develop myself further.

Joanna – Vice President Product Management