Human Resources Business Partner, DKNY & Karl Lagerfeld Paris

Human Resources Business Partner, DKNY & Karl Lagerfeld Paris

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Location: New York City, Midtown Manhattan – Fashion District (On-Site)

Department: Retail – DKNY & Karl Lagerfeld Paris

Reports To: Director of HR, Retail

About G-III Apparel Group:

G-III excels at bringing excitement and confidence to customers through the fashion we create. We are global experts in design, sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and marketing, which enables us to fuel the growth of a substantial portfolio of brands. With more than 30 licensed and owned brands, including some of the most sought-after names in global fashion, our success is driven by our team’s entrepreneurial spirit and our deep relationships across the industry.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Human Resources Business Partner to provide dedicated HR support to DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld Paris retail locations. This role will serve as the primary HR contact for Regional Managers, Store Managers, and store associates across both brands, building strong field relationships and providing practical guidance on employee relations, performance management, staffing, and company policies.

This hands-on individual contributor role will independently manage day-to-day HR matters while partnering with the Director of HR, Retail and HR specialist teams on complex issues and broader initiatives. The ideal candidate brings sound judgment, strong relationship-building skills, and an understanding of the demands of a multi-location retail business.

Key Responsibilities:

Employee Relations & Manager Support

• Manage employee relations cases from intake through resolution, including fact-finding, investigations, documentation, and follow-up; involve HR leadership and Legal in complex or high-risk matters.
• Coach Regional and Store Managers on attendance, performance conversations, corrective action, and team concerns.
• Coordinate termination recommendations and approvals with HR leadership.
• Apply company policies consistently across DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld Paris retail locations while accounting for applicable local requirements.
• Maintain confidential employee relations records, identify recurring concerns, and follow up with leaders on agreed actions.

Performance & Talent Development

• Support performance reviews, improvement plans, and ongoing feedback, helping managers establish clear expectations and document progress.
• Participate in talent reviews and succession planning discussions, helping leaders identify development needs and follow through on action plans.

Staffing & Retention

• Partner with Regional Managers, Store Managers, and Talent Acquisition on staffing priorities, seasonal hiring, and hard-to-fill positions.
• Participate in interviews for store leadership and other key positions as needed, supporting consistent selection and onboarding practices.
• Review turnover trends and employee feedback with field leadership and recommend practical strategies to improve retention.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Guide managers on HR processes and policy requirements, including timekeeping, attendance, and employee documentation; escalate questions requiring specialist or legal review.
• Coordinate with Payroll, Benefits, HRIS, and other HR partners to resolve employee questions and support leave, accommodation, and workers' compensation processes.
• Support HR audits, maintain accurate employee records, and assist with implementing company programs and policy updates across assigned retail locations.

Reporting & Field Engagement

• Monitor turnover, vacancies, attendance, and employee relations trends, providing concise updates and recommended actions to HR leadership and field leaders.
• Maintain regular communication with Regional and Store Managers, conduct store visits, and follow up on concerns raised by associates and leadership.
• Travel to retail locations throughout the year to support employee relations, leadership development, staffing needs, and store initiatives.

Who You Are:

• A relationship-driven HR professional who builds credibility and trust with Regional Managers, Store Managers, and employees.
• A proactive problem-solver who exercises sound judgment and handles sensitive employee matters with professionalism and discretion.
• A collaborative partner who works effectively with HR leadership, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Benefits, and other cross-functional teams.
• A highly organized professional who can independently manage multiple employee relations matters and competing priorities.
• A strong communicator who provides clear, practical guidance to field leaders and store teams.
• A hands-on HR partner who understands retail operations and thrives in a fast-paced, multi-location environment.

Qualifications:

• 4–6 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least 2 years independently supporting employee relations and coaching managers in an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or comparable role.
• Experience supporting multiple retail locations; fashion or specialty retail experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of U.S. employment requirements across multiple states, with the judgment to seek guidance on unfamiliar or complex matters.
• Canadian Human Resources experience is a plus.
• Experience conducting employee relations investigations, documenting findings, and advising managers on performance management and corrective action.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational abilities, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proven ability to build credibility with field leaders, understand store operations, and use HR data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Proficiency with HR systems, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools.
• Professional Human Resources certification preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the year, including planned quarterly regional travel to support DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld Paris retail locations.
• Flexibility to accommodate additional store visits as business needs arise, including overnight travel for employee relations matters, leadership support, and store initiatives. Travel timing and duration will vary based on store needs and will be coordinated with the Director of HR, Retail.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• PTO and company holidays
• Employee discounts

The pay range for this position is: $100,000 – $110,000 per year.

Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to the New York City Salary Transparency Law.

G-III Apparel Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. | 's owned brands include DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Donna Karan, Vilebrequin, Sonia Rykiel, G.H. Bass, Bass Outdoor, Andrew Marc, Eliza J., G-III Sports and more. G-III has fashion licenses under Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Cole Haan, Dockers, Guess?, Kenneth Cole, Levi's, Vince Camuto, Margaritaville and more. xuwmhxw G-III also operates retail stores for the DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Donna Karan brands.