Head of Ecommerce job description

What does a Head of Ecommerce do?

The Head of Ecommerce plays a crucial role in an ecommerce business. This role is responsible for developing and implementing an ecommerce strategy that improves customer experience, drives sales and increases conversion rates. In this leadership role, they're also responsible for overseeing the ecommerce team, ensuring that they're working effectively and efficiently.

Key responsibilities

While the Head of Ecom job description might vary, the main responsibilities of the role include:

• Develop a leading ecom strategy: Develop and implement a leading strategy to meet sales and profit targets. 
• Ecommerce management: Full responsibility of the ecommerce journey, managing a cross-functional team to execute your strategy. The Head of will manage, lead and develop the omnichannel team, including trading, sales, content and digital marketing.
• Budget management: Set and track channel KPIs inline with the overall business goals. Develop channel budgets ensuring sales, costs and profit remain on track. 
• Optimisation: Constantly look to improve site performance, identifying innovative tech solutions to reduce barriers to sale. Work closely with third parties to manage end to end projects that enhance the user experience.
• Merchandising: Manage and plan the merchandising of products. This includes monitoring inventory levels and highlighting replenishment and growth opportunities.
• Digital marketing: Work closely with the marketing, communications and social media teams to ensure consistent messaging. Plus, the Head of Ecom will oversee performance marketing channels, including PPC, SEO, affiliate and email marketing.
• Omnichannel: Work with the operations team to optimise omnichannel services, including click and collect, returns to store and in-store ordering. Report on these services, identifying areas for improvement.
• Reporting: Monitor, analyse and report on KPIs to communicate progress to the board.

Skills and requirements

To hire a Head of Ecommerce, you should search for the following requirements:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in ecommerce, with a track record of delivering significant revenue growth
• Data-driven mindset and analytical skills, with experience using tools such as Google Analytics and Hotjar
• Proven experience optimising a brand's online presence across their website and ecommerce platforms, as well as their omnichannel strategies
• Experience managing a cross-functional team, with an understanding of the fundamentals of digital marketing and UX design
• A proven leader, with the ability to motivate and inspire your team
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets
• Excellent communications skills