Human Resources Manager - Retail

Overview

For over 25 years, Essense of Australia has led the way in bridal fashion as a dynamic, international bridal wholesaler and retailer with key offices in Lenexa, Kansas (U.S.), Perth, Australia, and Zug, Switzerland. Our reach extends across the globe, operating in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and beyond. With nearly 1,000 stores carrying our exquisite designs, we are one of the most trusted and innovative brands in bridal fashion today. At Essense, every gown we create is crafted with passion, and every partnership we forge is built on trust. We are more than just a global bridal brand—we are an experience, woven into wedding celebrations around the world.

Building on decades of success in wholesale, Essense of Australia expanded its expertise in 2019 with the launch of True Society, a global bridal collective. Today, True Society is one of the fastest-growing names in bridal retail, with a worldwide network of stores offering brides the ultimate wedding dress shopping experience. With locations across the U.S., Australia, and Europe, we help brides celebrate their personal style and discover the dress of their dreams.

The Opportunity: Make an Impact!

Are you a well-rounded HR pro ready to make an impact in a people-first, high-energy environment? Do you have a passion for people and retail HR? Are you energized by helping dynamic sales teams grow and thrive?

We’re looking for an experienced Manager of Human Resources – US Retail to join our team. We’re all about building strong teams and meaningful experiences—and we need you to help make it happen.

As the HR Manager, you’ll be the dedicated HR partner for our US retail store sales and operations, handling everything from talent scouting and recruitment to employee relations, performance management, and coordination with our global HR team. You’ll work closely with retail store leaders and employees to build a dynamic, supportive workplace while driving the people strategies that fuel our stores’ success.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Be Doing:

Partnering with Retail Leaders for Growth

Collaborate with retail leadership to assess, develop, and execute talent and organizational strategies. You’ll help build a team of all-stars to drive the success and profitability of our US stores.

Master of Recruitment

From writing job postings to building dynamic sourcing strategies, you’ll own the full retail hiring process—finding the best talent and making True Society the place to work in bridal retail.

Onboarding Champion

Guide new hires through an exceptional onboarding experience. From documentation and system setup to structured 30/60/90-day check-ins, you’ll make sure every new team member feels welcomed and set up for success.

HR Expert and Trusted Advisor

Provide HR guidance and support to store managers and employees on all things people-related—hiring, performance, employee relations, and team morale. You’ll be the go-to HR resource for our US retail leaders.

Performance and Development

Coach store leaders on performance management, help identify training and development needs, and ensure that performance processes are consistent, timely, and aligned with company standards.

Global HR Coordination

Collaborate with HR peers supporting retail in Australia and Europe to ensure consistency in retail HR practices, processes, and reporting across global regions. You’ll serve as the US retail voice within the global HR team.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Make an impact: You’ll be the HR heart of our US retail operations—helping hire high-performing teams and shaping a culture rooted in driving sales, building relationships, and delivering an exceptional bride experience.
• Grow with us: This role carries a clear development path toward broader global retail HR leadership. If you’re ready to grow, we’re ready to invest in you.
• Fast-paced and varied: Every day brings something new. If you thrive in a dynamic, high-energy environment, this is the role for you.
• Global exposure: Work alongside a world-class HR team spanning three continents, with real collaboration across our US, AUS, and European retail HR peers.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business required.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or similar certification preferred; ongoing professional development expected.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience required, preferably in a retail or other fast-paced, sales-focused organization.
• Working knowledge of HR principles, policies, and practices within a retail environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of recruitment, performance management, and employee relations.
• Demonstrated experience with US federal and state employment laws governing retail employment.
• Customer service driven with professional presence and demeanor; ability to interface effectively with employees at all levels.
• Demonstrated business acumen and professional maturity; ability to represent the Company to candidates, vendors, and other outside parties consistent with brand image and standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Proven ability to consult on talent planning and organizational design strategies.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and familiarity with HRIS systems (ADP Workforce Now preferred).
• Comfortable collaborating across time zones with global HR counterparts.

What We Offer:

• A collaborative, people-first culture rooted in passion, creativity, and global growth.
• The opportunity to shape the people strategy of a premium bridal brand recognized around the world.
• Partnership with a world-class global HR team and meaningful exposure across our international retail operations.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment that encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
• Leadership development and continued training and education.
• A culture that recognizes and rewards excellence, innovation, and loyalty.
• An inspirational, modern workplace where talented individuals thrive.
• Competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, with significant opportunity for exceptional team members to grow with us as we continue to expand.

If you have the skills and drive to help us further our growth, please go to https://careers-essensedesigns.icims.com/ and follow the prompts to submit your resume and cover letter.