Head of Human Resources, Australia

This is a rare and prestigious opportunity to join one of the world's leading luxury retail groups as
Head of Human Resources, Australia
. Based in Sydney, this senior leadership role will oversee the full HR strategy and execution across retail and corporate functions, shaping the future of the brand's people agenda in one of its most dynamic and competitive markets.

As a trusted advisor to regional leadership and an integral part of the Asia-Pacific HR leadership team, you will play a critical role in driving organisational performance, strengthening leadership capability, and nurturing a culture of creativity, inclusivity, and excellence true to the spirit of the Maison.

The Role

The
Head of Human Resources, Australia,
will lead a team of HR business partners and specialists, delivering strategic and operational HR support across the national network of boutiques, corporate offices, and logistics functions. You will be accountable for ensuring that the people strategy aligns with business ambitions, operational excellence, and the evolving expectations of both luxury clients and employees.

This role demands both strategic vision and operational depth, combining commercial acumen with a sophisticated understanding of people, culture, and luxury brand environments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership

• Serve as the principal HR advisor to the Country Managing Director and senior retail leaders, providing counsel on organisational design, talent, performance, and culture.
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive HR strategy that supports the brand's growth ambitions across Australia.
• Partner with regional and global HR teams to align local initiatives with global frameworks and brand standards, ensuring a consistent luxury experience for all employees.
• Act as a strategic change agent, shaping and influencing business direction through insights, data, and innovative HR practices.

Talent & Leadership Development

• Build and sustain a strong leadership and talent pipeline across retail and corporate teams.
• Drive initiatives that identify, attract, and retain top talent aligned with the brand's culture and values.
• Champion leadership development programs, coaching and mentoring senior managers to elevate capability and future readiness.
• Oversee succession planning, performance management, and high-potential development to ensure business continuity and excellence.

Culture, Engagement & Employee Experience

• Lead initiatives that strengthen a culture of creativity, collaboration, and empowerment.
• Foster a workplace that reflects the brand's heritage, values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Design and implement employee engagement strategies that promote well-being, belonging, and purpose.
• Be an advocate for the brand's people promise — ensuring every colleague experience reflects the same level of craftsmanship and care as the client experience.

Organisational Effectiveness & Workforce Strategy

• Partner with business leaders to evaluate and optimise organisational structure and workforce planning.
• Use analytics and insights (e.g. turnover trends, productivity data, labour market intelligence) to inform strategic decisions and improve business performance.
• Ensure compliance with Australian labour legislation, workplace relations, and ethical employment practices, while promoting a culture of fairness and accountability.
• Oversee HR operations, compensation and benefits frameworks, and local adaptation of global policies to support sustainable growth.

Change, Transformation & Innovation

• Lead HR transformation initiatives that modernise ways of working, leveraging technology and data to drive efficiency and engagement.
• Anticipate evolving industry and workforce trends, designing agile people solutions that enable long-term competitiveness.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of the employee lifecycle, ensuring that innovation and representation are embedded in the brand DNA.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum
  15 years
  of progressive HR leadership experience, including
  10+ years in senior roles
  within luxury retail, premium consumer brands, or complex matrix organisations.
• Deep understanding of both
  strategic HR leadership
  and the
  operational realities
  of luxury retail environments.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams across multiple locations and business functions.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills; credible and confident in partnering with senior executives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate commercial goals into actionable people strategies.
• Proven experience in talent development, organisational design, and leading transformation.
• Advanced analytical capability; ability to use data and insight to influence decision-making.
• Inspirational leadership style: collaborative, decisive, and authentic.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in
  Human Resources, Business, or a related field
  required.
• Master's degree
  or postgraduate qualification in
  Human Resources Management or Organisational Psychology
  is highly desirable.
• Membership or certification with
  AHRI
  ,
  CIPD
  , or
  SHRM
  preferred.