Head of E-Business

I. BUSINESS CONTEXT:

The market is changing at an unprecedented pace, with client expectations and purchasing journeys being transformed by an evolving omnichannel approach and new modes of communication, where digital plays a central role.

Owned websites have an increasingly important role to play, extending beyond their traditional function as a complement to retail. In parallel, e-retail websites are becoming strategically critical, especially as the boundaries between luxury and mass-market brands continue to blur.

II. EXISTING AND FUTURE STAKES:

To support sustainable growth and meet evolving client expectations, each platform must play a clearly defined role in delivering a seamless and distinctive experience across online and offline touchpoints. This requires a renewed omnichannel approach—one that goes beyond a sales-driven perspective to create a more meaningful, engaging, and consistent client journey.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The head of E-business is responsible for the following:

• Drive digital transformation by working closely with teams across the organization to build a shared understanding of the evolving digital landscape and its impact on the client experience.
• Act as a key point of connection between the Japan market and global headquarters, ensuring local market insights, opportunities, and business needs are clearly communicated and reflected in strategic decisions.
• Protect and elevate the brand image across all digital channels, ensuring that every online initiative reflects the standards and ambition of a leading luxury brand.
• Define and lead the e-business strategy, including the role, positioning, target client profiles, and key performance indicators for each digital platform.
• Oversee e-business performance, including profit and loss management, KPI setting, business planning, sales planning, and forecasting across CHANEL.com, ZOZO, and e-retail platforms.
• Set and optimize the marketing and sales calendar for each digital platform in close collaboration with Marketing, Retail, Creative, and other cross-functional teams.
• Lead, coach, and develop the e-business team, identifying future leaders and nurturing talent to support long-term growth.

The key stakeholders:

• Chanel Japan teams: Marketing, Artistic Direction, Retail and Sales operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Corporate Media department, Corporate Tech department, Corporate Legal department  
• Chanel Headquarters
• External agency partners

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience in E-commerce and e-retail business management
• Experience in team management
• Experience in new system implementation
• Experience working in complex, matrixed environments with multiple internal and external stakeholders

Ideal attributes:

• A collaborative leader who listens actively, builds trust, and drives meaningful change
• A people-focused manager who is committed to developing teams while making clear and thoughtful decisions when needed
• Strongly results-oriented, with the ability to define, track, and deliver against objectives and key performance indicators
• Fluent in English, with the ability to communicate effectively in an international business environment