Chanel Senior Manager, Buying – Shoes
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Senior
- Department
- Merchandising, Buying & Planning
- Industry
- Fashion, Apparel & Leather Goods
- Posted
- Aug 4, 2026
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.
Chanel seeks a Senior Manager, Buying – Shoes in New York to lead strategic footwear purchasing and vendor relationships for the iconic luxury brand.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic buying and purchasing decisions for the footwear category, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and seasonal collections
- Develop and maintain relationships with shoe suppliers and manufacturers, negotiating contracts and terms to optimize margin and quality
- Analyze market trends, consumer demand, and competitor activity to inform product assortment and buying strategies
- Collaborate with design, merchandising, and retail teams to ensure cohesive product strategy across all channels
- Monitor inventory levels, product performance, and sell-through metrics; implement corrective actions to optimize stock turn and profitability
- Manage buying budgets and financial forecasting for the footwear division
- Lead and mentor a team of buying associates and junior buyers
Qualifications
- Proven track record of 10+ years in luxury fashion buying, with specific experience in footwear or accessories categories
- Deep knowledge of the luxury footwear market, including heritage brands, manufacturing techniques, and supply chain dynamics
- Demonstrated success in vendor management, negotiation, and contract administration
- Strong financial acumen and ability to manage P&L responsibilities
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
Skills
Experience
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in luxury fashion buying, with at least 5 years at a senior or managerial level. Substantial experience in footwear or adjacent luxury categories (handbags, leather goods) is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successful category management, vendor development, and financial stewardship within a fast-paced luxury environment.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. Advanced degree (MBA) preferred.
Workplace
This position is based in New York, New York, USA.
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.
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 «Footwear Buying Manager», «Senior Footwear Purchasing Manager», «Shoes Merchandise Manager», «Buying Director, Footwear», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.