People Partner

Position Purpose

The People Partner is responsible for managing the implementation of core HR activities in line with Sephora Middle East HR Strategy including but not limited to Recruitment, pre onboarding, payroll, transfer, promotions, employee records, employee relations and employee performance. The role incumbents will assist in the implementation of the employee performance management system and employee retention; act as Process Business Partner for region talent management, succession planning and performance management;

engage with key senior business and HR/Education stakeholders to develop a culture of managing talent and define talent related needs and implement strategies to enhance the performance of the people; support store leaders to identify the skills and behaviours required to meet future business demands and provide advice on how to close capability gaps through recruitment and development.

• Deliver superior stakeholder experience by being seen as a trusted business partner.
• Support HRD to build a customer‑driven organization aligned with business strategies.
• Meet Sephora Champions to understand culture and how to keep improving it.
• Ensure proper rollout of EVP in all HR processes, initiatives and assessments. Oversee completion of EVP online module by all employees.

• Manage annual talent identification and review cycle (OMR), including talent calibration, succession planning, identification of high‑potential employees, assessment of flight risks, mobility and completion of employee talent profiles.
• Design and implement attraction, assessment and retention strategies to ensure talent in the region.
• Support the People Manager with assessment and recruitment of senior retail roles in stores.
• Enhance leadership capabilities through partnership with Education Team.
• Strengthen and diversify talent pipelines to business‑critical and leadership roles, implement high‑potential programmes, coaching, 360o feedback, scoping and delivery of promising talent requirements and embed initiatives to promote attraction and successful development of diverse talent.
• Drive the tribe engagement strategy by developing high performers to become successors.
• Advise on how to maximise talent and capability growth opportunities and manage potential risk within business change.
• Monitor effectiveness of talent management and provide insights, analysis and recommendations to continuously improve the approach.
• Retain high performers.
• Oversee employee onboarding/off‑boarding process per company standards.

• Develop and maintain a strong brand‑focused environment for all employees.
• Together with senior leaders create a fast‑paced and energetic culture and drive employee engagement initiatives.
• Support rollout of employee engagement survey.
• Manage employee relations, grievances and escalations.

• Review and develop existing performance management processes.
• Map under‑performing employees and proactively advise managers on processes to sustain a high‑performance culture.

• Fulfill retail recruitment per plan and monitor headcount with retail team and People Manager.
• Source external candidates across recruitment channels to increase headcount availability.
• Responsible for recruitment pipeline and interviewing process with retail team.

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, 3–4 years’ experience in a people partner role within medium to large organisations.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.
• Strong background in FMCG/Retail/Fashion & Apparel both front and back office.
• Passion for people, creative thinking, self‑motivation and independence.

Most importantly, the People Partner must live and breathe Sephora Culture, DNA and Employee Value Propositions (EVP). They need excellent authentic communication and influencing skills, and be energized by a fast‑paced dynamic environment. They must be a confident leader born from self‑belief.