Chanel Group Director, Boutique Architecture Operations

About Chanel

Chanel is one of the world’s most revered luxury houses, founded by Gabrielle Chanel and distinguished by an enduring vision of elegance, freedom, and modernity. As an employer, the House brings together métiers ranging from haute couture, fashion and leather goods to fragrance, beauty, watches, and fine jewelry, offering employees the opportunity to contribute to a legacy defined by exceptional craftsmanship and creative audacity. Chanel values excellence, discretion, collaboration, and long-term development, fostering an environment where talent is nurtured and heritage is continually reinterpreted for contemporary clients. Its teams are united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and the timeless spirit of the brand.

Role & Responsibilities

• Analyze budgets, project spend, vendors, and consultants to ensure fiscal rigor and transparency in bidding and construction processes
• Manage multiple large-scale boutique projects simultaneously while maintaining compliance and quality standards
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of project data sets and develop systematic tracking mechanisms
• Evaluate, evolve, and maintain operational processes; design and implement standard operating procedures
• Advise on carbon footprints, sustainability measures, and energy-efficient building practices aligned with Mission 1.5°
• Elevate brand image at the point of sale through quality architectural execution
• Conduct feasibility studies to vet proposed projects and qualify new vendors, consultants, and bidders
• Create project schedules, responsibility matrices, and progress reports; manage timelines, milestones, and deliverables
• Facilitate boutique project review meetings with US business divisions and coordinate cross-functional workload prioritization
• Lead retrospective analyses to drive continuous process improvement across the department
• Compile and evolve the US Boutique Architecture team briefing process; ensure design briefs are completed accurately by field, business, and corporate teams
• Partner with the US Boutique Architecture team to align store designs with Global Boutique Architecture requirements and US business needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Design, Architecture, Construction, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in an architectural firm or in retail architectural, store design, or construction management roles
• Demonstrable expertise in cost estimating, budget management, and scenario planning for complex construction projects
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Excel, and Smartsheet; experience with project management tools and architectural software (AutoCAD, SketchUp) is highly valued
• Strategic thinking capability to bridge finance, technical architecture, and business stakeholder perspectives
• Exceptional organizational and analytical abilities with demonstrated capacity to multi-task, prioritize, and manage multiple projects
• Autonomous, diplomatic communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and social fluency
• Understanding of architectural design and construction process workflows

Skills

Experience

8+ years of professional experience in cost estimating, project management, architectural design, construction management, or related retail/luxury architecture fields. Direct experience in managing design and construction of retail boutiques or high-end commercial environments is essential. Proven track record of implementing process improvements, managing complex multi-disciplinary teams, and delivering projects on budget and on schedule.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Design, Architecture, Construction, or a closely related field.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 134,900 to USD 165,000 per annum.

Benefits

Wellbeing resources including dedicated paid time off for wellbeing (2-week August Office Closure and Wellbeing fund), family and caregiving benefits (parental leave, fertility support, MilkStork, Care.com Membership), generous paid time off policies (vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days), 401(k) and incentives, robust healthcare offerings (medical, dental, vision, MDLIVE virtual care, One Medical, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Employee Assistance Program), life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Health Advocate, International Business Travel Accident & Medical, and Commuter Transit & Parking.

Culture

Chanel fosters a culture of timeless creativity, exacting craftsmanship, and quiet excellence, where employees are encouraged to uphold the house’s heritage while contributing to its continued innovation. The workplace environment is refined, collaborative, and deeply committed to quality, offering professionals the opportunity to grow within a globally respected maison that values discretion, artistry, and long-term vision.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.