Chanel Senior Director of Shoes
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Executive
- Department
- Executive & General Management
- Industry
- Fashion, Apparel & Leather Goods
- Posted
- May 28, 2026
About %s
Chanel is one of the world's most prestigious and privately-held luxury fashion houses, renowned for its iconic collections spanning haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, fragrances, and watches. Founded in 1910 by Gabrielle Chanel, the brand epitomizes elegance, innovation, and timeless design. The company maintains complete control over its creative vision and operates with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity across its global operations.
Chanel seeks Senior Director of Shoes in New York to lead global footwear strategy and oversee design, merchandising, and operations for the luxury fashion maison.
Role & Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee the global shoes division, establishing strategic vision and creative direction for all footwear collections and product lines
- Lead cross-functional teams spanning design, merchandising, supply chain, and retail operations to ensure cohesive brand expression and commercial performance
- Collaborate with the Chief Creative Officer and executive leadership to integrate footwear strategy with Chanel's broader product ecosystem and heritage narratives
- Drive innovation in product design, materials, and manufacturing processes while maintaining the brand's exacting standards for quality and craftsmanship
- Oversee pricing strategy, product mix, and seasonal collection planning to optimize profitability and market positioning
- Manage relationships with key manufacturing partners and artisanal workshops to ensure production excellence and ethical sourcing practices
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform strategic planning and ensure Chanel's footwear remains at the forefront of luxury positioning
Qualifications
- Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in luxury fashion, with demonstrated expertise in footwear design, merchandising, or product development
- Proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing P&L responsibility for a significant product category or business line
- Deep understanding of Chanel's brand heritage, design codes, and positioning within the competitive luxury landscape
- Executive-level experience in strategic planning, market analysis, and business transformation within a luxury conglomerate or comparable brand environment
- Strong financial acumen and ability to drive commercial results while maintaining uncompromising quality standards
Skills
Experience
Minimum 15 years in luxury fashion with substantial experience in footwear category management, product development, and executive leadership. Prior roles should demonstrate progressive responsibility for strategic direction, team leadership, and commercial results within a prestigious luxury brand or multi-brand conglomerate.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Fine Arts, or a related discipline required. Advanced degree (MBA, Master's in Fashion Business, or equivalent) is preferred.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in New York, New York, USA.
Culture
Chanel cultivates a culture rooted in artistic excellence, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering creative integrity. The organization attracts visionary leaders who are passionate about preserving and advancing the brand's legacy while driving innovation across its product universe. Employees at Chanel work within a collaborative yet discerning environment where strategic thinking, aesthetic refinement, and commercial rigor converge to define global luxury.
About %s
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Chanel, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Senior Director, Footwear», «Director of Shoe Design and Development», «Head of Footwear Division», «Vice President, Shoes», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.