Manager, HR Business Partner - Retail

Aescape is looking for a results-driven HR Business Partner who can partner with Aescape’s Retail Division, as we build a retail business around the world's most advanced massage! The retail operations are being built from the ground up, and you will be the first HR hire for the division. This is an opportunity to start a division's HR function from scratch and play a meaningful role in the launch of a revolutionary product. If you are a HR retail pro, collaborative problem solver, someone who thrives in a fast-paced, start-up environment, and has the unwavering determination to do what it takes to deliver spectacular results, then this might be with exploring! ;)

This role is 4-5 days onsite in New York City, reporting to the VP, People. 

Aescape is the NY-based lifestyle robotics company redefining self-care. 

We announced the world's first commercially available, fully automated AI-powered massage experience with Equinox in March — and this is only the beginning. We are in a period of rapid growth, launching our category-transforming product throughout 2024 with global leaders in hospitality, wellness, sports and fitness.  

Backed by $80M in funding from investors like Valor Equity Partners (an early investor in Tesla and SpaceX), we've assembled a team of top talent across connected hardware and fitness from industry giants like Amazon, Apple, Peloton, Tonal, Uber, The New York Knicks, and more to bring people and robotics together for better living.

In less than 48 hours since announcing our launch and partnership, publications like WIRED, Fast Company, Popular Science, Sports Business Journal, Fortune and Now This News have covered our news, with remarkable enthusiasm. 

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic HR leadership for the Retail Division, by partnering with senior management, and developing policies and programs drive success in the marketplace. 

• Champion Aescape's culture and create engaging employee experiences where people can do their best work and thrive.

• Create performance management systems, L&D initiatives, and rewards & recognition programs that are aligned with Aescape’s values, to cultivate a culture of feedback, coaching and growth.

• Design and manage cost-effective compensation and benefits plans that attract and retain top talent from the retail sector. 

• Oversee the day-to-day HR functions (payroll, benefits, records, training, on/offboarding), as well as manage HR systems. 

• Work cross-functionally with key stakeholders across all divisions to align the Retail HR strategies with business goals.

• Lead initiatives to improve HR efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance the overall member and employee experience.

• Assess and plan for HR staffing needs as the organization scales, collaborating closely with the recruiting team to align hiring efforts with headcount goals.

What You'll Bring

• 4+ years of Retail experience is a must-have with a preference for companies known for delivering extraordinary customer experiences and service delivery. 

• Solid educational foundation, and more importantly real-world experience with employment practices including, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Compensation, Training, Talent Acquisition, and developing strong cross-functional working relationship with executive leadership, Product, Marketing, and Legal.

• Track record of delivering results, preferably with some early stage / entrepreneurial environments and the ability to connect HR initiatives to business outcomes.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, adept at engaging and building trust with a wide range of personalities, management styles.

• Nice-to-Have: A passion for health & wellness or sports recovery, and enthusiasm for our mission of revolutionizing the massage therapy industry with robotics.

What’s In It For You 

• Join a trailblazing tech company anticipated to transform the massage industry

• The chance to make a difference with a product that empowers healthier and happier living

• Team culture driven by passion, ambition, empowerment, inclusion, curiosity, and fun!

• We’ll grow together – your personal and professional growth are equally important

• An environment that empowers individuals, emboldens teams, and rewards achievement

• Early stage equity in a company led by serial entrepreneurs with multiple exits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance covered by us (if scheduled 30+ hours/week) 

• 401k with a company match

• Unlimited vacation, generous parental leave 

• Working late? Dinner is on us.

• Competitive pay + bonus + equity plan. The salary range for the role is $135,000-$160,000

Begin Your Aescape Career Journey

At Aescape, we're on a mission to redefine self-care for a better world, and we're seeking trailblazers to join us on this journey. We're inspired by individuals who are passionate, driven, and eager to learn. We value diverse perspectives and resourceful, determined individuals who are committed to making a difference. At Aescape, we empower people to reach their full potential, just as our product empowers better living. If you're ready to innovate, create, and make a meaningful impact, we want you on our team.

YOUR JOURNEY. YOUR AESCAPE.