Chanel Legal and Compliance Manager

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

• Draft and review contracts for Chanel business units, including point-of-sale leases, department-store agreements, vendor contracts, research and development agreements, ambassador and influencer contracts, real estate contracts, employment agreements, and other labour-related contracts.
• Research existing and emerging regulations affecting Chanel’s business, including advertising law, non-financial reporting regulations, and product-safety regulations, and provide guidance.
• Advise business stakeholders on legal matters to prevent or prepare for risks and potential disputes.
• Assess business risks from a legal perspective to support informed decisions and strategy.
• Improve contract-handling workflows to deliver agile and effective legal support while maintaining appropriate governance and control.
• Deploy Chanel’s global compliance programme locally through training and other initiatives that foster a culture of compliance.
• Implement and maintain compliance policies and procedures specific to Japan, coordinating with the global compliance team as needed.
• Work with stakeholders to identify regulatory risks and address them proactively and effectively.
• Partner with departments to promote awareness of and adherence to compliance requirements.
• Manage and facilitate the regional compliance committee and promote a culture of compliance.
• Guide and train employees on compliance methodologies, tools, and best practices; promote compliance awareness and education across the organisation; and implement relevant training programmes.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, identify potential compliance issues, facilitate their resolution, and establish and monitor compliance metrics and KPIs.
• Serve as the point of contact for regulators during investigations and coordinate internal preparation and submission of documents for investigations and audits.
• Advise key transformation programmes on compliance by design and participate in global compliance councils to represent regional interests and align objectives.
• Provide operational support to the Compliance Committee, comprising the General Counsel, Chief Finance Officer, and Chief Human Resources Officer.
• Advance compliance in areas including subcontractor law, competition law, labour law, fair-trade regulations, anti-bribery and corruption, and anti-money laundering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law; admission to the bar is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in a top-tier law firm or in-house legal department.
• At least 5 years of experience in compliance management, risk assessment, and regulatory adherence.
• Experience in legal or compliance roles within luxury retail or a similar industry is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of compliance frameworks, methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, including the creation of presentation materials, and the ability to influence others.
• Mid-to-strong project management and change management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong intercultural communication skills.
• Ability to use digital applications and platforms to create effective education programmes.
• Business-level Japanese and English for communication with the global team and participation in global meetings.

Skills

Experience

At least 5 years in a top-tier law firm or in-house legal department, and at least 5 years in compliance management, risk assessment, and regulatory adherence; luxury retail or similar-industry legal/compliance experience is an advantage.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law; admission to the bar is preferred.

Benefits

Health insurance and other social insurance; full transportation coverage; company PC and smartphone; condolence and congratulatory payments, including marriage and childbirth; staff-purchase programme for perfumes and cosmetics, fashion products, watches, and fine jewellery; medical checkup and health-screening support; recreation-centre and accommodation discounts; sports-club benefits; language-training support; other discounts and benefits; company events, including a New Year’s party and cultural events.

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.