Sephora Director, Human Resources Business Partner - Retail Operations

About Sephora

Sephora is a global prestige beauty leader, renowned for redefining the retail experience through creativity, inclusivity, and expert service. Founded in France and now part of LVMH, the company brings together an exceptional portfolio of beauty brands with a distinctive culture of discovery and innovation. As an employer, Sephora offers a dynamic, customer-centered environment where talent is encouraged to learn, experiment, and grow across retail, digital, merchandising, operations, and corporate functions. Its teams are united by a passion for beauty, entrepreneurship, and belonging, making Sephora a compelling workplace for professionals seeking impact within a fast-moving international brand.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, develop, and inspire a team of HR Business Partners with clear expectations for strategic business partnership, execution, and leadership effectiveness
• Build team capability in organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, workforce planning, data-driven decision making, and business acumen through ongoing development and stretch opportunities
• Develop future HR leaders through structured coaching, constructive feedback, formal development planning, and strategic assignment of challenging projects
• Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence within the HR function
• Drive consistency in HRBP practices, standards, and service delivery across supported geographies and ensure alignment between East and West HRBP teams
• Leverage AI-enabled tools responsibly to improve insight generation, streamline HR processes, and deliver scalable support to business leaders and teams
• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic HR partner to Retail Operations leadership
• Develop and implement comprehensive people strategies that drive business performance, talent outcomes, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement
• Partner with leaders to assess organizational health, identify workforce risks, and develop actionable, scalable solutions aligned with business priorities
• Balance immediate operational needs with long-term talent and organizational development priorities
• Provide candid coaching and feedback to business leaders while maintaining strong partnerships and trust
• Protect and strengthen Sephora's organizational culture by promoting leadership behaviors aligned with company values and fostering accountable, inclusive, high-performing environments
• Continuously assess organizational health through data and feedback, recommending actions that improve engagement, retention, and effectiveness
• Collaborate effectively with Retail Operations, Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Legal, Learning and Development, Finance, Technology, and Corporate partners

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR Business Partner experience supporting senior business leaders in complex, multi-unit, or geographically dispersed organizations
• 3+ years of people leadership experience, including leading, coaching, and developing HR professionals
• Demonstrated experience translating business priorities into people strategies that improve organizational effectiveness, leadership capability, workforce planning, talent outcomes, engagement, and retention
• Strong working knowledge of employee relations, employment law, compliance, talent management, organizational design, change management, and HR operating practices in retail or multi-site environments
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field
• Advanced degree preferred
• SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or comparable senior HR certification preferred

Skills

Experience

10+ years of progressive HR Business Partner experience supporting senior business leaders in complex, multi-unit, or geographically dispersed organizations, coupled with 3+ years of direct people leadership experience including leading, coaching, and developing HR professionals. Demonstrated track record of translating business priorities into people strategies that materially improve organizational effectiveness, leadership capability, talent outcomes, engagement, and retention in retail or multi-site environments.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 150,705 to USD 201,000 per annum.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability and life insurance fully covered by employer; 401(k) with 4% match; FSA and HSA programs; Student Debt Retirement plan allowing student loan payments to earn 401(k) match; PTO and protected leave; flexible work arrangements; 30% merchandise discount; access to free LVMH brand product and flash sale discounts; free mental health and financial coaching with 24/7 access to Modern Health and Financial Finesse; volunteer and donation matching; tuition reimbursement; career development and training opportunities.

Culture

Sephora fosters a dynamic, inclusive workplace where creativity, curiosity, and a passion for beauty are encouraged at every level. As an employer, it is distinguished by its focus on empowerment, continuous learning, and a collaborative retail culture that celebrates individuality and client-centric innovation.

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.