Retail HR Business Partner

Why J.McLaughlin? J.McLaughlin was founded in 1977 by brothers Kevin and Jay McLaughlin with a mission to create an American Sportswear brand that offered two key components: classic clothing with current relevance and a retail environment that has a neighborhood feel. The J.McLaughlin brand has always been more about style than fashion: straightforward, unpretentious, and devoid of the superfluous. Our clothing is rooted in the tradition of sport, work, and play. With over 180 retail locations, each store is entirely unique, attentively designed to reflect the town's color, character, and architecture. This attention to detail extends to exemplary customer service and local philanthropic engagement. Our “Culture of Kindness” creates an environment with respect, politeness, consideration, and empathy that creates a family like atmosphere and focuses on giving back to the community. The company has an entrepreneurial spirit which fosters great experience and career opportunities, complemented with our great incentive benefits programs. OverviewJ.McLaughlin is a specialty American Sportswear and Accessories brand headquartered in New York. J.McLaughlin has the reputation for being “local and loyal”, building meaningful relationships within each community and providing customers with highly personalized service. We are a growing company with a focus on our culture of kindness, cultivating an exceptional atmosphere in which to work and shop. The Retail HR Business Partner reports to the Head of Human Resources and is a hands-on, relationship-driven HR leader who partners closely with store teams and retail leadership across a multi-state specialty retail organization. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a high-touch, brand-driven retail environment where culture, and the employee and customer experience are equally critical to success.As the primary HR partner supporting our retail organization, this leader provides end-to-end HR partnership to employees, store managers, field leaders, and corporate retail leadership. The Retail HR Business Partner balances strategic thinking with day-to-day execution, ensuring HR support is practical, consistent, and aligned with the unique needs of a dynamic retail environment.This role will primarily be based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and requires frequent travel to stores.About the roleEssential Functions:Business PartnershipProvide full-scope HR support for store teams and retail leadership across 38 states and 190 locationsAct as a strong advocate for the field, ensuring HR programs, policies and processes are practical and effective in a store environmentUse data and insights to spot trends, improve retention, and elevate the employee experience.Build strong, trusted relationships through consistent field presence and hands-on supportUnderstand the nuances of specialty retail — from customer experience to store-level dynamics—and align people strategies accordingly.Employee ExperienceOwn all employee relations matters for store teams, including investigations, performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolutionDevelop and deliver training and tools for store and field leaders on core people practices, including performance management, employee relations, and compliance fundamentalsCoach leaders on addressing people issues in a way that protects the brand, supports a positive employee and customer experience, and drives accountabilityEnsure consistent application of policies while allowing for thoughtful, people-centered decision-makingPartner with leave administrators and leadership to support leaves of absence and workplace accommodations, ensuring compliance while balancing business continuitySupport key moments in the retail employee lifecycle, including onboarding, internal movement, and offboarding, to ensure a consistent and positive employee experienceTalent Partner with retail leadership to build strong store manager and field leadership pipelinesSupport talent development, succession planning, and career paths tailored to specialty retail rolesReinforce effective performance management, coaching, and feedback practicesEnable recruitment best practices and execute senior retail leadership placements.Navigate Multi-State Compliance & Manage RiskEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across multiple jurisdictions including California.Proactively identify people-related risk and partner with Legal and leadership to address issues earlyMaintain policies and practices that are compliant, practical, and scalable for specialty retail storesDrive Culture, Engagement & Organizational TransformationChampion a consistent, service-driven, and values-based culture across all storesLead employee engagement efforts and translate feedback into actionable improvementsSupport organizational change initiatives tied to growth, new store openings, restructures, or brand evolutionPartner with HR and retail leadership to ensure clear, consistent communication of people-related changes, policies, and initiatives to the fieldProvide HR support for new store openings, including staffing readiness, manager onboarding, and early-stage employee relations supportAdditional Job Responsibilities:Other related duties as assignedWhat we are looking forSkills & Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field preferredHR certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred7 –10 years of progressive HR experience, including senior HRBP or leadership rolesProven experience and knowledge of working in and supporting multi-state specialty retail and/or field-based organizationsDirect experience managing a store or working in a retail environment a plus.Proven success leading and implementing HR programs and initiatives with comprehensive understanding of full-cycle HR practicesDemonstrated knowledge of and direct experience providing support across a wide range of HR disciplines including Employee Relations, Organizational Development, Talent Management, Learning & Development, Succession Planning, Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, Performance Management and Compliance & Risk Management Firm grasp of and proficiency in employment law at a federal, state and local level as well as practical implications and applications. Experience with California labor laws required.Ability to establish strong relationships across all levels and functions of an organization.Strong Project Management and presentation skillsExcellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to effectively influence business partners at all levelsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to operate with objectivity, integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.Experience working with and navigating a HRIS - ADP WorkforceNow a plus.Ability to travel frequently within assigned territory and the NYC areaPhysical Requirements:Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.Ability to travel frequently within assigned territory and the NYC areaEqual OpportunityJ.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $140,000 - $155,000