Human Resources Business Partner

Overview

Hermès is an independent French luxury maison renowned for exceptional craftsmanship across leather goods, silk, ready-to-wear and accessories. Hermès (GB) Ltd operates the brand's UK retail and head office operations, combining a heritage-led commitment to quality with a service-driven retail culture and high standards of client experience.

Role & Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted HR lead to the HR Director and senior leaders across retail and Mayfair head office, shaping and delivering people strategy to support growth and service excellence.
• Provide expert employee relations case management and legal guidance, leading disciplinary, grievance, capability and sensitive investigations in line with UK employment law and internal policy.
• Partner with Store Directors and SLT for a portfolio covering Harrods, Cadogan, Royal Exchange, Manchester, Dublin and Mayfair Head Office, supporting c.300 employees across retail, operations, client experience and corporate functions.
• Champion and embed Hermès values and behaviours, coaching leaders to enhance people management capability, communication, engagement and wellbeing.
• Lead, coach and develop the HR team to build a high‑performing, people‑centred HR function and strengthen HR governance and risk management.
• Drive operational excellence in employee lifecycle processes (onboarding, contracts, compensation, leavers) through collaboration with Payroll and wider HR teams.
• Analyse and present people metrics (attrition, absence, organisational trends) translating data into insights and actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Own HR systems and continuous improvement initiatives, contributing to projects that enhance employee experience and HR process efficiency.
• Maintain and disseminate up‑to‑date employment law guidance and ensure leaders are informed, skilled and compliant.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Senior HRBP or senior HR generalist within luxury retail, hospitality, or a premium brand environment.
• Deep, current knowledge of UK employment law and a proven track record managing complex employee relations cases.
• Proven experience supporting multi‑site operations and partnering with senior leadership (experience with c.300 employees or similar scale).
• Demonstrable strategic capability with presence and credibility at executive and store leadership levels.
• Exceptional influencing, stakeholder management and communication skills, with a coaching‑led, emotionally intelligent approach.
• Desirable: experience with HR systems and analytics platforms (e.g., Oracle) and exposure to Irish employment law.

Skills

Experience

Significant senior HRBP experience within luxury retail, premium hospitality or comparable consumer brands, including hands‑on management of complex ER cases, multi‑site operational support and strategic partnership with senior leadership.

Education

Degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology or related field; professional HR qualification such as CIPD preferred.

Culture

Hermès combines a culture of artisanal excellence and long‑term stewardship with a high standard of client service. The UK organisation emphasises integrity, respect and craftsmanship, fostering a discreet, collaborative and people‑centred workplace where leadership development and quality of experience are prioritised.