Chanel Head of Distribution Strategy and Business Development

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

• Partner with regional and global FBP leadership to develop and evolve the regional Distribution & Retail Network Strategy Mid-Term Plan
• Define, challenge, and refine SEAA distribution strategy to optimize model architecture for sustainable business impact
• Assess and enhance effectiveness of offline channels—standalone boutiques, department stores, and travel retail—ensuring alignment with FBP strategic priorities
• Conduct strategic market analyses and studies to identify opportunities, assess risks, and guide markets in optimizing distribution footprint
• Harmonize and streamline operational processes across markets to ensure efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation
• Establish and communicate regional guidelines for retail projects and service excellence standards
• Collaborate with markets to improve door productivity using shared KPIs and FBP Retail Segmentation methodology
• Partner with Retail Education to elevate frontline development, capabilities, and career progression
• Lead retail workforce productivity initiatives by embedding performance KPIs and technologies that empower frontline excellence
• Build and deepen strategic partnerships with regional travel retail stakeholders, monitoring industry trends and competitive dynamics
• Shape regional travel retail strategies that maximize brand equity and commercial performance across markets
• Drive travel retail growth by optimizing commercial frameworks and ensuring cross-market consistency while preserving local market ownership
• Ensure robust end-to-end execution of business case processes and enable data-driven decision-making
• Partner with Finance on business case reviews and strategic investment recommendations
• Define and lead governance framework for new investment opportunities in coordination with markets and global teams
• Identify and validate untapped market opportunities, mapping high-potential geographies and channels for strategic expansion
• Infuse best practices, external insights, and innovation across the region to elevate commercial performance

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in business development or distribution strategy management
• Demonstrated balance of commercial acumen and client-centric mindset
• Cultural sensitivity and strategic agility to navigate diverse Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacific markets
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities across all organizational levels
• Proven ability to manage ambiguity with flexibility and agility in a dynamic environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with effectiveness across global, regional, and local stakeholders
• Inspiring leadership approach fostering innovation, collaboration, and dedication to excellence
• Strategic business thinking aligned with long-term vision and short-term execution capability

Skills

Experience

The ideal candidate will have accumulated 10+ years of progressive experience in business development, distribution strategy, or related roles within luxury beauty, fragrance, or high-value consumer goods environments. Extensive exposure to retail network management, channel optimization, and regional market dynamics across Asia-Pacific or comparable multicultural regions is highly valued. Prior experience leading cross-functional teams, navigating complex stakeholder ecosystems, and delivering strategic initiatives in matrix organizational structures is essential.

Education

Advanced degree in Business Administration, Strategic Management, Marketing, or related discipline is preferred. Equivalent combination of advanced certifications and extensive industry experience may be considered.

Workplace

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.