Overview

INTRODUCTION

At Burberry, we believe creativity opens spaces. Our purpose is to unlock the power of imagination to push boundaries and open new possibilities for our people, our customers and our communities. This is the core belief that has guided Burberry since it was founded in 1856 and is central to how we operate as a company today.   

We aim to provide an environment for creative minds from different backgrounds to thrive, bringing a wide range of skills and experiences to everything we do. As a purposeful, values-driven brand, we are committed to being a force for good in the world as well, creating the next generation of sustainable luxury for customers, driving industry change and championing our communities. 

JOB PURPOSE

This is a generalist HR role with a strong emphasis on HR Business Partnering (approx. 70%) combined with hands-on frontline recruitment responsibility (approx. 30%). The Assistant Manager, HR will act as a strategic partner to the Retail (Stores) and some Head Office functions in Japan, while also leading recruitment for all store-based positions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

HR Business Partnering (70%)

  • Serve as the primary HR point of contact for Retail Operations (all stores in Japan)
  • Partner with Retail Head and Store Managers to understand business objectives and provide proactive HR solutions
  • Lead workforce planning and attrition analysis; prepare headcount budgets, forecast hiring needs, and propose retention initiatives to manage turnover while optimizing cost efficiency
  • Drive employee engagement initiatives, succession planning, and talent development programs for frontline and mid-level talent
  • Lead performance management processes (goal setting, year-end reviews & calibration sessions)
  • Manage employee relations cases including disciplinary actions, grievances, performance improvement plans, and exit management
  • Support organizational design, change management, and restructuring initiatives as required
  • Ensure local compliance with Japanese labor laws and Burberry global policies
  • Support annual compensation & benefits review cycles and promotion processes

Frontline Recruitment (30%)

  • Full ownership of recruitment for all store positions
  • Partner with Retail Operations to create workforce planning and hiring forecasts
  • Direct sourcing from recruitment platform and partnering with the external agencies
  • Conduct interviews, manage assessment centers, and coordinate final selection with hiring managers
  • Build and maintain a strong talent pipeline for critical frontline roles
  • Manage offer process, background checks, and smooth onboarding experience
  • Continuously improve candidate experience and employer branding for store roles

PERSONAL PROFILE

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • Minimum 5–7 years of HR generalist or HRBP experience, ideally within luxury, fashion, premium retail, or hospitality
  • Proven track record in both strategic HR business partnering and high-volume frontline recruitment
  • Strong knowledge of Japanese labor law and local HR practices
  • Native-level Japanese and business-level English (both written and spoken)
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels
  • Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • High energy, hands-on attitude, and ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment
  • Willingness to travel domestically to stores when required

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

  • Healthy relationships with business partners, focused around driving organisation effectiveness, commerciality and making the right decisions for the brand. Measure based on feedback from business partners and from other more senior HR/business leaders.
  • Driving talent performance, mobility and capability development. Measure based on: completion of the talent calibrations; existence of talent plans for top talent; the number of internal promotions and internal moves; defined individuals objectives aligned to business objectives; the development of talent (leadership, behavioural and/or business competencies).
  • Management of business risks through succession and talent planning. Measure based on existence of robust succession plans and identification/management of key talent risks.
  • Effective management of employee relations issues. Measure based on the avoidance of ER cases and the effective handling of ER cases when they arise.
  • Effective application of the global People operating model and ways of working. Measure based on the operating model being fully embedded, connectedness and collaboration with other HR teams, application of global processes and accuracy of people data.
  • Delivery of HR / business projects and change. Measure based on the effective implementation or roll-out of initiatives and/or organisational changes.

FOOTER

Burberry is an Equal Opportunities Employer and as such, treats all applications equally and recruits purely on the basis of skills and experience.

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