HR Business Partner, DACH | Cologne

For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.

Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.

We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.

Role purpose

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) will provide strategic, commercial and operational Human Resources advice to support the business in making effective workforce decisions.

In this role, you will partner with relevant stakeholders and use people analytics to coach, guide and advise on organisational design, talent management, employee relations, learning and development, reward and risk management.

You will collaborate with the broader regional HR team to provide local insights to ensure Centres of Excellence (CoE) are able to design programmes and activities that are fit for purpose.

In turn, in this role you will implement, manage and evaluate HR projects and activities across the portfolio. The main focus of the role is supporting our retail population and markets including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Spain. Some business travel across cluster will be required.

Role responsibilities include, but not limited to –

• Work in partnership with the Head of HR and Commercial Manager to identify the people implications of business plans;
• Monitor key people KPIs and organizational health indicators; adjust strategies to continuously drive top performance;
• Using data and insights, partner with Managers to undertake organisational design that ensures efficiency, simplicity and collaboration;
• Implement initiatives to address regrettable turnover and systemically improve retention;
• Design & deliver targeted people solutions to changing business and talent needs as retail industry evolves; be ahead of the curve in predicting future talent and leadership needs;
• Develop and formulate plan on improving staff engagement levels;
• Ensure policies and procedures are up to date, reflective of legislation and best proactive and able to effectively protect the business;
• Manage escalated underperformance, misconduct and grievances matters ensuring that disciplinary action is fair and reasonable;
• Support Managers and staff to identify training, development and career advancement opportunities in line with the growth and the direction of the organisation;
• Conduct and implement Year End process and the local remuneration review process annually;
• Support and influence the relevant HR Centres of Excellence to design and develop improved programmes and activities through local insights and feedback;
• Supervising and guiding, when needed, payroll activities within the cluster;
• Partner with 3rd part providers to ensure Aesop is competitive employer;
• Promoting diversity & inclusion across the business, be the brand ambassador for employees and local communities

This is a full time position operating with a hybrid working pattern.

What we are looking for

Work experience:

• Demonstrable progressive experience up to HR Business Partner or HR Manager, with a track record of managing ER cases as well as partnering with the business on all aspects of employee lifecycle activities
• Experience within the retail, customer service, or hospitality industries, with fast paced growth retail environment preferred
• Experience working in a multi-site business and European experience preferred
• Knowledge of local legislation
• Proven management of  employee relations cases;
• Demonstrated experience bringing forward valuable insights through HR analytics;
• Experience in employee engagement, talent management, organisational development and leadership development
• Solid understanding of payroll workflow of DACHI markets;
• Strong business and numbers acumen and commercial understanding;
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment in a global organisation 
• Understanding of Aesop’s approach and a passion for the brand

Skills & Competencies required

• Language fluency in both English and German;
• Effective team builder with the ability to inspire and engage with the wider team;
• Ability to be both strategic and operational;
• Confidence in enabling change across an organisation;
• Hands-on, practical problem solving and process improvement skills and ability to complete tasks within set time-frames;
• Admirable written and verbal communication skills and the ability to problem solve, influence and create positive stakeholder relationships
• Open mindset and deep curiosity seeking to understand others, listen without judgement and act on diverse perspectives
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in one or more of the following degrees highly advantageous: Human Resources, Business Management, Labour Law

What’s on offer

We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth, employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering and matched giving programs. 

Employee benefits include -

• Flexible, hybrid working pattern
• Generous product discount allowance and bi-annual complimentary product allocation
• Paid volunteering allowance for all employees
• Bonus opportunity based on personal, and business, performance
• Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, in-house Product and Core skills training and study support opportunities
• Access to employee assistance programmes, complimentary subscription to Headspace mindfulness app and summer hours options.

Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.

#LI-Hybrid