Ecommerce Manager Question:

Web experience and a proven track record of scaling an e-commerce business, of course, constitute the foundation of any viable candidate. However, outstanding e-commerce general managers will possess several specific competencies and leadership traits:

They must be strategic in mindset. An ideal e-commerce candidate envisions long-term market potential and business opportunities, generates strategies for addressing future market scenarios, and positions the business to capitalize on them using innovative and analytical thinking. Strategic executives will be adept at employing research and customer data and drawing upon best practices to drive the business. The strategic leader also seeks out opportunities that are game-changing for the business.

They must have operational expertise. Strategic thinking is indispensable, but an e-commerce leader also must have an excellent track record of driving results. The ideal candidate cannot only project the vision and mission of the organization but needs to know how to turn it into viable plans. Personality traits that serve this role well are pragmatism and adaptability, and the candidate will possess the ability to focus and execute in a competitive and fast-paced environment. In addition, successful leaders in this field will make useful and sensible recommendations outside their area of expertise to their colleagues. The ideal candidate is one who accepts responsibility for results and expects the rest of the e-commerce team to follow suit. Successful operational leaders can balance the drive for business urgency with the ability to motivate, attract and retain strong talent that will form the backbone of a successful team.

They must be skilled at influencing colleagues and building relationships. This trait is critical for success in e-commerce, a unit that often requires strong partnerships with merchandising, marketing, technology and retail operations. Without effective and strong coalitions, e-commerce will not thrive. We’ve found that the most successful people in this realm possess both personal confidence and a willingness to listen to other ideas. They are tenacious but also have high emotional intelligence, traits that allow them to push the business forward while building consensus along the way.