HR Manager, Australia

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a strategic, dynamic HR Manager for Australia to join as ALO’s first in-country People & Culture hire. This role will not only build the HR infrastructure for our Australian operations but also act as a key advisor to the Country Director, ensuring people strategy, organizational design, and workforce planning directly support ALO’s business goals. This role is essential in establishing the HR infrastructure needed to support our expanding Australian retail and corporate operations. You will build processes, create clarity, and ensure a seamless employee experience grounded in Australian legislation and ALO’s global standards. This is a rare opportunity to shape the people function for an iconic brand entering a new region—ideal for someone who can shift between high-level strategic work and hands-on execution. This role is critical in shaping ALO’s culture, supporting rapid growth, and driving excellence across retail, studio, and corporate environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Country Director, providing insight on talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, and workforce planning.
• Translate business needs into people strategies that support expansion, operational excellence, and long-term success in the Australian market.
• Partner with leadership to identify capability gaps, future staffing needs, and opportunities to elevate team performance.
• Architect and implement the HR systems, policies, and infrastructure needed for sustainable growth across retail stores, studios, and corporate roles.
• Establish a scalable and compliant operational framework that aligns with both Australian legislation and ALO's global People model.
• Implement structured processes—onboarding, performance growth, engagement, and communication—that reinforce Alo’s elevated brand and employee experience.
• Partner with managers to cultivate strong team dynamics, reinforce ALO's culture, and elevate leadership capabilities.
• Lead nationwide initiatives that strengthen connection, engagement, and alignment with ALO's values.
• Offer guidance on employee concerns, conflict resolution, and workplace culture, maintaining a high level of trust and discretion.
• Maintain expert understanding of Australian employment laws and retail/studio award requirements.
• Create and maintain compliant policies, guidelines, and documentation.
• Work closely with Legal and Global People teams to mitigate risk and ensure consistent, fair employment practices.
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, ensuring each interaction is elevated, efficient, and reflective of ALO's standard of excellence.
• Coordinate payroll activities with internal teams and external providers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Maintain HRIS integrity, reporting, and documentation for audits, analytics, and operational planning.
• Partner with Global People, Retail, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure seamless alignment between Australian practices and global standards.
• Provide local insights that influence global people initiatives, benefits considerations, and organizational planning.
• Support future market or category expansions within the region through thoughtful workforce and operational planning.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 6 years of professional HR generalist or HRBP experience, ideally supporting retail, hospitality, fitness, or high-growth consumer brands.
• Demonstrated success in building HR functions or programs from the ground up.
• Strong capability in strategic partnership, business advisory, and influencing senior leaders.
• Solid understanding of Australian employment legislation and award frameworks.
• Experience supporting multi-site teams and fast-paced operational environments.
• Ability to balance long-term strategy with tactical execution.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and integrity.