HR Director, Retail

ASICS; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Office gym and sports membership

50% ASICS gear discount

Calm app access

Runkeeper Go premium

Wellness programme

OpenUp meditation access

Yearly foreign work assignment

Hybrid working model

Job summary

ASICS is seeking a seasoned HR leader to own the Europe, Middle East & Africa retail HR agenda from our Hoofddorp HQ, near Amsterdam. The role partners with the VP HR to shape a three-year strategy, build scalable HR tools, and drive people initiatives for a growing retail organisation across markets.

You will influence Retail Directors and Country Managers, lead ER and change programmes, and develop leadership capability while ensuring compliant, consistent people practices across EMEA.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of HR experience, with senior roles in a multi-country environment.
• Retail HR expertise in a multi-site consumer business and field-facing ER complexity.
• Track record of harmonising HR practices across countries and leading change.

Responsibilities

• Co-create the three-year EMEA retail HR strategy with the VP HR.
• Build tools and programmes translating business objectives into HR outcomes.
• Partner with Retail Leadership on talent, performance, and employee relations.
• Directly manage the HR Retail Manager in Hoofddorp and align country advisors.
• Own complex ER matters and ensure compliance across jurisdictions.
• Lead talent calibration, leadership development and store recruitment initiatives.

Skills

HR Director

Retail HR

Cross-country HR

Influence without authority

Employment law (EMEA)

Strategy execution

Stakeholder management

Job description

Be part of a movement that moves the world

At ASICS, we’re more than just a brand; we're a movement. A movement of movement, propelled by the belief that motion strengthens the body and uplifts the mind. Our name itself, an acronym for "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano" (a Sound Mind in a Sound Body), encapsulates this commitment. Since taking our first step in Japan in 1949, our journey has been about more than just reaching the finish lines or clocking the fastest times. It's about the joy of moving and it's open to all.

If you're inspired to move yourself and the world toward a brighter, more inclusive future, we're looking for you.

Here at ASICS, we welcome diversity in our people, their backgrounds and life experiences. So, you could be the right person for this role regardless of your age, nationality, religious beliefs, or gender identification.

Your role in our shared journey

Based at our EMEA headquarters in Hoofddorp, near Amsterdam, you will own the HR agenda for ASICS's retail business across Europe. This is a new, dedicated role created to give our growing retail organisation the strategic HR partnership it deserves - someone who can co-create the three-year retail people strategy with the VP HR, build the HR infrastructure to support it, and partner closely with our Retail Leadership Team on everything from talent and performance to employee relations and change.

This is a genuine build opportunity. ASICS Europe is investing in retail: new stores, new markets, new ambitions, and the HR infrastructure to support that growth is yours to shape. You will bring consistency and clarity to people practices across our EMEA retail markets, working through a matrix of country HR Retail Advisors and with one direct report based in Hoofddorp. With a lean team and broad scope, you will need to be as comfortable rolling up your sleeves as you are setting the strategic direction. If you are energised by building from the ground up, earning trust through results, and leaving a real mark on a growing retail business, then this is the role for you.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Retail People Strategy - co-create the three-year EMEA retail HR strategy with the VP HR; develop and roll out retail-specific HR toolkits, programmes and practices that translate business objectives into practical people outcomes across all markets.
• Strategic Business Partnering - serve as a trusted partner and coach to the Retail Leadership Team on all people matters; lead HR support for growth, transformation and change initiatives across the EMEA retail estate.
• Matrix Leadership & Team Development - directly manage the HR Retail Manager in Hoofddorp; align and inspire country HR Retail Advisors across EMEA through influence, not hierarchy, to deliver consistent people practices across markets.
• Employee Relations & Compliance - own complex ER matters across EMEA retail jurisdictions; ensure compliance with employment legislation across countries; lead restructures, consultations and works council or union engagement where applicable.
• Talent Management & Leadership Development - lead retail talent calibration, succession planning and capability-building; partner with L&D on retail-specific learning and development initiatives designed for store populations.
• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning — partner with TA on retail recruitment strategy; drive initiatives to improve candidate quality, speed of hiring and retention; support store openings and retail transformation projects.

You have the following skills and experience:

• 10+ years in HR - with experience as a senior HRBP or HR Director in a multi-country international environment.
• Retail HR expertise - with proven experience in a multi-site retail or consumer-facing business; understands store operations, seasonal workforce dynamics and field-facing ER complexity.
• Track record of building or harmonising HR practice across countries - toolkits, policy frameworks, change programmes; has run restructures, store closures or works council consultations.
• Experienced in influence-without-authority leadership - drives results through country partners and matrix teams without relying on direct headcount.
• Strong EMEA employment law knowledge across at least one to two European jurisdictions; experienced with multi-country ER risk and restructure consultation.
• Comfortable setting strategy and personally delivering it - not dependent on a large team to execute; energised by being an individual contributor at Director level.
• Strong stakeholder credibility at senior commercial level - able to coach and challenge Retail Directors and Country Managers on people matters with confidence.

Life at ASICS

When you join ASICS, you become part of something special. Here, your voice matters, your growth and wellbeing are important. We believe in fostering an environment where every step forward is celebrated, where diversity fuels our journey, and inclusion strengthens individuals. And together and as individuals we can inspire more people to move for body and for mind.

Our commitment to your wellbeing:

• We're dedicated to ensuring that every team member experiences the joy and benefits of movement. To support your wellbeing, we offer:
• Access to office gym and sports membership discount.
• Exclusive 50% discount on ASICS gear.
• Unlimited access to the Calm app for better sleep and mental fitness.
• Complimentary premium subscription to our Runkeeper Go™ app.
• A comprehensive wellness programme consisting of exercise and educational sessions.
• Professional support and meditation classes are available through OpenUp Access.
• Working abroad for four weeks every year.
• Hybrid working model. Combine the flexibility of working from home with the dynamic energy of an office environment.