Sephora Director, Retail Talent and Training

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

• Set and champion the Retail Talent & Training strategy across Sephora Canada, shaping how talent is grown and performance elevated across the network
• Inspire and develop a high-performing, future-focused team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation within the learning and talent function
• Lead end-to-end learning experiences from insight and design through delivery, ensuring all touchpoints are engaging, relevant, and operationally impactful across in-store, digital, and virtual environments
• Lead an integrated Retail Talent Strategy focused on leadership pipeline development, succession planning, and internal mobility for Beauty Advisors and Store Leaders
• Develop and evolve leadership development programs and curriculum aligned to evolving business needs, creating clear and motivating career pathways
• Translate business priorities into targeted capability-building strategies that measurably elevate service, selling, and client experience outcomes
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations and senior leadership to ensure programs are relevant, scalable, sustainable, and operationally effective in-store
• Balance national strategy with localized execution to meet diverse market needs across Canada and collaborate with Sephora North America and Global stakeholders
• Deliver insight-driven reporting on learning effectiveness, talent health, and leadership strength to inform strategic decisions
• Lead budget planning and resource allocation aligned to strategic priorities; build and manage external partnerships with best-in-class learning vendors
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities through data, insights, and program evaluation, leveraging technology to modernize learning experiences

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Learning & Development, Talent Management, or Leadership Development, ideally within retail, luxury, or multi-unit environments
• Deep expertise in instructional design and adult learning methodologies, with proven ability to deliver impactful experiences across in-person, digital, and blended formats
• Demonstrated track record of building and scaling talent strategies that drive meaningful business results while accelerating employee growth
• Strong passion for developing leaders and strengthening talent pipelines, including succession planning and internal mobility initiatives
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and collaborate effectively across matrixed organizations
• Sharp business acumen with clear ability to connect capability-building to measurable outcomes in service, selling, productivity, retention, and client experience
• Excellent command of learning technologies, LMS platforms, and data insights to measure and continuously elevate program impact
• Compelling communication and storytelling abilities with confidence engaging and influencing senior leadership
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple initiatives with agility in fast-paced environments
• Adaptability, curiosity, and sound judgment in navigating complex organizational contexts

Skills

Experience

10+ years in Learning & Development, Talent Management, or Leadership Development, ideally within retail, luxury, or multi-unit environments. Proven expertise in building and scaling talent strategies that drive business results and employee growth, with demonstrated success leading high-performing teams across matrixed organizations.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, Education, or related field is typically expected; advanced certifications in Learning & Development, Talent Management, or related disciplines are valued.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from CAD 148,600 to CAD 176,600 per annum.

Benefits

Healthcare plan with medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; access to Well-Being@Sephora program supporting mental, financial, physical, and social well-being; hybrid work schedule with vacation and flex days; maternity and paternity leave; 30% discount on all merchandise and services; opportunities for complimentary products; flash sale discounts on LVMH brands; volunteer and donation matching; Employee Assistance Program; 24/7 access to mental health resources through Dialogue.

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.