Sephora Senior Program Manager, HR Systems and Data

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 the entire project lifecycle for multiple concurrent HRIS and data projects, ensuring adherence to strategic objectives, timelines, budgets, and quality standards
• Define comprehensive project scope, goals, and deliverables in partnership with global stakeholders, translating business needs into actionable project plans
• Develop robust project plans, resource strategies, and proactive risk mitigation approaches for complex, multi-faceted HR technology initiatives
• Continuously monitor project performance, anticipate challenges, and implement effective solutions to keep projects on track
• Facilitate high-impact project meetings, workshops, and steering committee presentations, ensuring clear communication and decision-making
• Demonstrate knowledge of HR systems modules (e.g., SuccessFactors) and their intricate interdependencies
• Possess comprehensive understanding of HR data architecture, global reporting requirements, and advanced analytical methodologies
• Champion the design of project solutions that ensure robust data collection, data flows, data storage, data integrity, and sophisticated analytical capabilities
• Effectively collaborate and build consensus with diverse teams including HRIS configurators, data analysts, technical experts, and business stakeholders
• Proactively identify and communicate complex project needs, interdependencies, and potential blockers to all organizational levels
• Cultivate strong, productive relationships with internal teams, global partners, and external vendors
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise project status reports and presentations tailored for executive-level consumption
• Oversee comprehensive testing strategies, including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), to validate solutions meet defined business needs
• Lead change management efforts, including training development and communication strategies, to ensure seamless adoption of new HR systems and processes globally
• Oversee contract management for all HR systems-related vendors and services, ensuring compliance, favorable terms, and effective vendor relationships
• Collaborate with Tech and Global teams to ensure seamless support for infrastructure and integration projects

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in program/project management, with a focus on HR systems and data initiatives
• Proven expertise delivering complex, global HR technology implementations and data-driven solutions
• Strong knowledge of HRIS platforms (e.g., SAP SuccessFactors) and system interdependencies
• Deep understanding of HR data architecture, governance, data privacy (e.g., GDPR), and analytics methodologies
• Advanced project management expertise across Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall frameworks
• End-to-end experience leading system implementation lifecycles, including discovery, requirements gathering, build/testing, deployment, and hypercare
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across matrixed, global teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail and execution excellence
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and working with external vendors and consultants
• Demonstrated success in change management and driving large-scale system adoption
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences and executive leaders
• Strategic Execution: Ability to align HR technology and data projects with broader strategic goals of the HR function and overall business
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to lead and influence matrixed teams including HR, IT, Finance, and external vendors without needing direct reporting authority
• Change Management Champion: Strong capability to drive user adoption, manage resistance, and build effective communication strategies for system go-lives
• Risk & Issue Mitigation: Proactive approach to identifying project roadblocks, scope creep, and data integrity risks, with ability to develop contingency plans
• Complex Problem Solving: Highly analytical mindset capable of breaking down intricate HR workflows and data challenges into scalable technical solutions
• Technical Translation: Exceptional ability to translate complex IT and data terminology into clear, accessible language for HR stakeholders and business leaders
• Executive Presence & Communication: Confident in presenting project statuses, business cases, and data insights to senior leadership
• High Adaptability: Ability to pivot and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment where project priorities or business needs may rapidly shift

Skills

Experience

8–10+ years of progressive experience in program and project management, with substantial focus on HR systems and data initiatives. Proven track record delivering complex, global HR technology implementations and data-driven solutions. End-to-end experience leading system implementation lifecycles spanning discovery, requirements gathering, build and testing phases, deployment, and hypercare support. Demonstrated expertise in change management and driving large-scale system adoption across global organizations.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent professional experience and certifications)

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 205,200 to USD 228,000 per annum.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability and life insurance; competitive 401(k) with 4% match; FSA and HSA programs; Student Debt Retirement plan; PTO and flexible work arrangements; protected leave; career development and tuition reimbursement; 30% discount on all Sephora merchandise and services; access to free gratis products and LVMH brand flash sale discounts; free mental health and financial coaching resources (24/7 access to Modern Health and Financial Finesse); volunteer and donation matching program.

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.