HR Business Partner, Retail, San Francisco Bay Area

Sephora is a beauty company committed to an inclusive and empowering employee and customer experience. The Human Resources Business Partner will support retail field leadership by aligning HR strategies with business objectives and advising leaders on performance, talent, employee relations, compliance, engagement, and organizational effectiveness across the assigned region.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic HR Partnership: Partner with Regional Directors, District Managers, and Store Managers to align HR strategies with business goals; advise leaders on talent decisions, team dynamics, and leadership development; and lead change management efforts to support organizational effectiveness
• Talent Management & Development: Drive performance management and feedback processes; lead talent reviews, succession planning, promotions, and leadership coaching; facilitate training and development initiatives; and manage annual HR cycles including performance reviews, talent calibration, and compensation planning
• Culture, Engagement & HR Analytics: Champion a positive and inclusive workplace culture; lead employee engagement and retention strategies aligned with Sephora’s values; analyze HR metrics such as turnover, engagement, and absenteeism to identify trends and support data‑driven decision making; and support culture‑building programs that foster high performance and employee satisfaction
• Employee Relations & Compliance: Conduct and manage employee relations investigations; ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies; manage leave of absence and accommodation processes; and handle sensitive employee matters with confidentiality and integrity
• Projects & Areas of Responsibility: Assist with cyclical HR programs and cross‑functional initiatives; coordinate training logistics and support overflow tasks; lead or contribute to ad hoc projects, process improvements, and special assignments; and support execution of broader HR initiatives across the region and company
• Travel & Store Visits: 25-40% within assigned region

Requirements:

• Experience in HR Business Partner or generalist roles, preferably within retail or multi‑unit environments
• Proven ability to lead through change, influence decisions, and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization
• Broad knowledge across performance management, succession planning, employee relations, employment law and compliance, and leave of absence and accommodation processes
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret HR data, build presentations, tell a clear story with data, and make actionable recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, take initiative, and consistently deliver high‑quality work while maintaining ownership of outcomes
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field preferred
• HR certifications such as PHR/SPHR or SHRM‑CP/SHRM‑SCP preferred