Department / Area: Commercial
Reports to: Commercial Director
Job Level: Manager
Location: Mexico
The Category Manager – Watches & Fine Jewelry is responsible for developing and growing the Watches and Fine Jewelry categories in the Mexican market, in line with the brand’s positioning, market potential, and global CHANEL guidelines. The role ensures the effective definition and execution of the commercial, marketing, visual merchandising, and training strategies across all points of sale (POS), guaranteeing optimal product assortment, display, and brand visibility.
This position also leads performance monitoring, market analysis, and reporting of business results, ensuring alignment with the approved budget, commercial objectives, and overall company strategy.
1. Market Distribution Development and Optimization
Identify and evaluate the most suitable business partners for the Watches & Fine Jewelry categories.
Develop tailored strategies by partner and by category, aligned with brand standards and market potential.
Define and execute POS opening and closing plans in accordance with brand guidelines and sales forecasts.
Establish annual and monthly sales targets by POS and closely monitor performance.
Collect, analyze, and interpret sell-out data to guide commercial and distribution decisions.
2. Visual Merchandising Supervision
Ensure brand visibility and in-store execution fully comply with global visual merchandising standards.
Guarantee flawless execution of visual campaigns, avoiding inconsistencies or errors.
Coordinate and validate all visual merchandising materials for accuracy and relevance.
Work closely with the POS Image team on special events (e.g., SIAR).
Identify areas of improvement and continuously enhance in-store brand presentation.
Support POS teams with merchandising layout guidelines and best practices.
Train POS teams to ensure correct implementation of visual campaigns.
3. Training and Development – Watches & Fine Jewelry
Identify training needs for POS staff and sales teams.
Consolidate and communicate product updates, launches, and brand novelties.
Ensure teams fully understand and apply brand guidelines and storytelling.
Evaluate staff performance and provide structured feedback.
Develop and execute an annual internal and international training plan.
Coordinate training initiatives with external partners and clients.
4. Definition and Monitoring of Sell-In and Sell-Out Objectives
Analyze historical sell-in and sell-out performance to define annual and monthly objectives.
Align objectives with the Commercial Director and global stakeholders.
Communicate targets clearly and review monthly POS performance with the Commercial Director.
5. Purchasing and Inventory Planning
Define the annual purchasing plan in line with commercial strategy, seasonal needs, and approved budget.
Analyze historical sales data to anticipate needs by season and collection.
Collaborate closely with the Commercial Director, CFO, and Financial Planning teams on sales follow-up, monthly adjustments, and purchase orders.
Define optimal inventory levels and analyze slow-moving or unsold products.
Monitor inventory, purchase orders, and goods in transit, identifying risks and opportunities in coordination with local and global management.
Ensure POS have the necessary resources and stock support to achieve sales targets.
6. Pricing Strategy
Conduct competitive pricing analysis within the luxury watches and fine jewelry market.
Analyze pricing strategies across different regions.
Develop short-, mid-, and long-term pricing strategies, considering brand positioning in the Mexican market.
Implement pricing decisions jointly with the Commercial Director and CFO.
7. Budget Management and Control
Participate in the development of the annual budget for the Watches & Fine Jewelry categories.
Define annual budget allocation in line with the marketing plan (monthly activities, launches, and events).
Monitor and control local expenses, ensuring efficient use of resources.
Prepare and present monthly reports to the Commercial Director, including YTD sales vs. YTD expenses by category.
8. Events and Brand Activation Strategy
In alignment with global strategy defined by CHANEL headquarters in Paris, define key actions and launches for special events (e.g., SIAR).
Plan and coordinate product launch events and brand activations.
Define product selection for photography, publications, and communication.
Establish and manage event budgets.
Define media strategy, guest lists, and target audiences.
Coordinate event logistics end-to-end.
Actively participate in events to ensure objectives and brand standards are achieved.
9. People Management
Implement effective people management through regular follow-up meetings.
Ensure proper execution of tasks and objectives within the team.
Motivate, coach, and support direct reports (including interns) to foster professional growth and long-term development within the company.
Conduct performance evaluations twice a year.
Provide continuous and constructive feedback.
Delegate responsibilities effectively and monitor outcomes.
Define and monitor incentive schemes for the sales force.
10. Reporting and Market Analysis
Manage and allocate the budget assigned by the brand to projects and initiatives.
Monitor expense reports to identify deviations and implement corrective actions.
Prepare sales, performance, and market reports according to business needs.
Analyze sales movement, product performance, market trends, and competitive landscape to assess brand positioning.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in Marketing or Commercial roles.
Proven experience in luxury watches and/or fine jewelry.
Strong knowledge of retail operations and budget management.
Solid understanding of promotions and merchandising materials.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Negotiation and conflict management skills.
Advanced Excel proficiency.
Experience in training design and delivery.
Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
Strategic thinking with strong analytical skills.
High level of organization and attention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Alignment with CHANEL values and competencies.
Advanced English (mandatory).
Specialization in Visual Merchandising and/or Training within luxury watches.
At least 2 years of experience as a Brand Ambassador for luxury watches.
Excellent negotiation skills.
High stress management and frustration tolerance.
Strong understanding of the luxury retail market, budgeting, analysis, and training.