Head of E-Business
Chanel · Tokyo
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