Our talented and motivated people make Estée Lauder Companies a great place to work. They help us deliver our High Touch customer service to all of our internal and external customers, suppliers and retailer partners. We’re committed to attracting, retaining, rewarding and helping them be the best they can be now and in the future.
Meet some of our extraordinary head office and retail employees. The below employees represent a variety of brands, departments and locations. Our success is built on their passion, drive, integrity and motivation.
I had previously worked with fragrance at the airport and became obsessed with fragrances. I decided to apply with ADF as a Christmas casual just to make sure it was the right path for me or just a phase I was going through. A year later I became the counter manager and I live and breathe everything that’s Aramis & Designer Fragrance.
Why do you like working at Aramis and Designer Fragrances?
I’m not treated like a staff member; I’m treated like I’m a part of the family. Everyone is the business is supportive of each other and help is always available if you need it. Also, fragrances and skincare we sell have such a rich story or history behind them.
What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at Aramis and Designer Fragrances thus far?
My most amazing experience would have to be when Fabrice Weber and Fabrizio Freda (Global CEO) came to visit. Both where very keen to know how we keep the business running, what our key sellers were and what our personal favourite product is.
However, my most amazing day was when I had the Events Coordinators from Ivy come by looking for a men’s fragrance. I managed to sell them 7 units of one mens fragrance as well as 7 packs of Lab Series.
What are your customers like?
Because Aramis and Designer Fragrances has fragrances for all ages, we get a variety of clientele. Our “Aramis” customers love to reminisce when they smell the scent (everyone has a story when they smell Aramis). The “Be Delicious” customers love to see the new exciting releases in the “Be Delicious” category.
My favorites are the Lab Series men. Once you give them the right products for their face, you will start seeing a change and they will keep coming back and ask for your recommendations.
What does your future at Aramis and Designer Fragrances look like?
I’m always overly excited when we launch a new product. Seeing the merchandising elements behind it and preparing and setting up for key launches is something I always look forward to. I have passion for merchandising so hopefully one day I’ll be in the merchandising team for ADF.
What would you say to people who are thinking of joining Aramis and Designer Fragrances?
Be prepared to become obsessed with the company, the name, the organization and before you know you will be an ambassador without even realizing it. You will wonder what you did with your life before Aramis & Designer Fragrances.
One of my first makeup books I purchased early on in my career was Bobbi’s ‘Bobbi Brown Beauty’. She was so informative, so inspiring and most of all so passionate about her work and about life. Once I tried just a gloss from her huge range of products, I fell in love with the brand.
Why do you like working at Bobbi Brown?
She is a really positive role model to all women and her message is clear, it’s not just about makeup, it’s about being who you are. I love that Bobbi celebrates women and advocates healthy living as what’s good on the inside will show on the outside.
Her positive message also promotes a positive work culture, at Bobbi we all strive to be supportive of each other and work well together as a team.
What cool events have you worked on at Bobbi Brown?
I’ve worked on so many cool events at Bobbi, definitely Rosemount Fashion Week this year was really exciting. I love being part of the team for Bobbi’s party sessions (a hands-on workshop for groups of women especially the one we held for the volunteers of the Dressed for Success Charity organisation), then there’s also the Press/VIP Product/collection launches for designer labels including; Jimmy Choo, Sambag, Fairfax & Roberts.
What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at Bobbi Brown thus far?
I was part of the manager’s conference earlier this year where I learnt so much about pushing the team forward with a strong, positive and common goal. The support team organised an ‘Amazing Race’ Challenge for us at Centennial park, it was a great day, everyone got involved including our lovely Brand Manager Carolyn Scott (I think it was the first time I’d seen her in flats!) There was a strong team spirit and we had a lot of fun.
Is there an average day on counter for you?
An average day on counter is meeting lots of different women all wanting the same thing, to look brighter, fresher and prettier. Being able to help women feel really good about themselves everyday makes me smile.
How was your first day?
I was really excited about wearing natural makeup, I could just be me! I was in a small studio and it was a busy day, I quickly learnt my way around the counter as everything was clearly marked and really well organised.
The customers were lovely and knew exactly what they wanted as they had obviously been using the products for a long time. I remember feeling really good about working with such beautiful products.
Having already acquired a cosmetic retail background and having previously used Clinique products I was attracted to the brand because of their professional image & service ethic and I could see numerous career opportunities.
What cool events have you worked on at Clinique?
I have worked on countless events since beginning my working relationship with Clinique. In my early days I was on the Events Team, later taking on a counter consultant position then moving up to counter manager. I hosted workshops & VIP nights which involved teaching & educating clients on skin care and make up techniques, these sessions are so much fun and extremely rewarding for my clients & also my team.
What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at Clinique thus far?
My most amazing day with Clinique was being chosen to go to New York in our ‘Stars to New York’ program where I met Evelyn & Leonard Lauder and was taken on a tour of our Research & Development Plant. This was definitely a highlight of my career as I also met Star consultants from all around the world.
What sort of training have you been exposed to?
How was your first day?
My first day was very exciting as there was a lot to learn and it was extremely busy as it was also Clinique bonus time. I asked a lot of questions and had an amazing day. I went home very tired however couldn’t wait for the next day.
What would you say to people who are thinking of joining Clinique?
I have worked on many events in my career with Estee Lauder. My favourite ones would be “You’re Look, Your Style” event. This event offers customers a full face of makeup and then a professional photo taken. This photo was then uploaded onto Facebook. This event created a real buzz on counter and a great awareness of modernity to our customers.
What other cool events have you worked on at Estee Lauder?
My other favourite event would be our “Blockparty” makeup event. I have always loved this event. It celebrates the launch of our blockbuster makeup gift set and opens Christmas at our counters. It is an event which we run on the floor, by demonstrating the amazing colours within the blockbuster.
What was the most amazing experience or day you have had at Estee Lauder so far?
Recently, I was awarded the “Best of Best Counter Manager” competition. The prize was a trip to New York. A trip of a lifetime!! I met the most amazing Counter Managers from all over the world and was able to network and get new ideas to bring back to my own counter. During the trip, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Aerin and Leonard Lauder and also toured Mrs Estee Lauder’s office that has been left exactly the way she had left it on her last day of work.
Estee Lauder customers are well informed. They know what they want and are looking for the best service coupled with the best products. Our customers appreciate it when we build a rapport and an ongoing relationship with them – and that’s how we bring the best to everyone we touch.
What sort of training have you been exposed to?
I always look forward to training. We have seasonal seminars where we learn about product, promotions and trends which is always exciting. I have also been given the opportunity to complete an advanced two day makeup course run by Estee Lauder. This course equipped me with enhanced skill level in makeup application and technique. I feel much more confident when applying makeup due to this course and it shows.
What does your future at Estee Lauder look like?
My future with Estee Lauder looks bright. I have been with the brand for 15 amazing years and it just keeps getting stronger.
In your words what does our “High Touch” culture mean to you?
The first thing I ever knew about M.A.C was the Viva Glam program. Every cent made from sales of the Viva Glam lipstick sold in store went to the M.A.C Aids Fund, I think this is an amazing charity and I am very passionate about it.
Why did you decide to join M.A.C?
The M.A.C credo ALL AGES ALL RACES ALL SEXES embraces all kinds of people and it’s comforting to work in a place that readily accepts you for who you are.
It has always been my dream to work at M.A.C (and to meet Oprah ☺). For me, nothing compares to M.A.C: the staff, the products, the Makeup's, the music and the customers.
Why do you like working at M.A.C?
I feel that M.A.C allows and encourages you be yourself and M.A.C really helped me to be proud of who I am. I love putting makeup on every day, I love teaching my customers tricks on how to wear their makeup, I love that the staff at M.A.C could have a bright blue lip on and have glitter all over their faces and that might just be an everyday look.
What are your customers like?
My customers are people that want to learn about make up. I love when I get a customer that has never owned a M.A.C product or even been on a M.A.C counter before. As I remember my very first time being on a M.A.C counter and seeing the amazing make up the girls had on and felling that excitement. You can never forget your first product you buy from M.A.C, mine was Blankety lipstick. I also remember how amazing I felt afterwards and that’s how I fell in love with M.A.C so I want to be able to give the same experience to my customers.
Is there an average day on counter for you?
I can't say that there is an average day on counter because every day there is something new to learn or different to do. New launch of products, training and coaching on the floor by our M.A.C trainers, creating different types of make ups on customers, having different theme days… So no, there is never an average day at M.A.C for me.
What does your future at M.A.C look like?
I have been working at M.A.C for just over a year and I have experienced rapid career progression. I started as a Retail Artist in a Casual capacity then was promoted to a Part Timer and then onto a Full Time position. Through hard work and dedication I was once again promoted to Third In Charge and finally onto Assistant Manager for the busiest counter in Australia.
What would you say to people who are thinking of joining M.A.C?
M.A.C is not a job, it is a passion you have. You need to love makeup and love wearing makeup. You also need to enjoy fast paced environments, teaching, doing make over’s and of course you need to love M.A.C. If you put in the hard work and show your passion on each and every day, you will go far.
I have spent the past 8-9 years living abroad and working with luxury brands. I have always wanted to work with Tom Ford and when Estee Lauder Companies brought the brand to Australia, I knew Tom Ford Beauty was my next career step.
What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at Tom Ford thus far?
The Prince of Qatar stopped by my counter, we discussed his favourite fragrance and talked about the Tom Ford following in the middle east. He was an absolute pleasure to serve. Its not every day you serve royalty.
Is there an average day on counter for you?
What are your customers like?
The best! I’m lucky to have lot of return customers, some from all over the world. It is always a pleasure to interact and share their thoughts and feedback on Tom Ford products.
What would you say to people who are thinking of joining Tom Ford?
Do it! Become part of something special and unique.
In your words what does our “high touch” culture?
Going beyond what is expected and giving a signature silver service, by building relationships and illustrating the features and benefits of the beautiful Tom Ford products.
I love working at Jo Malone because I get to be around such amazing products. Plus I love the people I work with, they’re my second family.
What cool events have you worked on at Jo Malone?
My favourite would have to be the American Express event I worked at the Penthouse at the Ivy. It was amazing.
What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at Jo Malone thus far?
It would have to be the day Megan Gale came into our store to do a photo shoot with her favourite perfume; it was such a fun day.
What are your customers like?
Our customers are such lovely people; the majority are locals all with varying ages.
What does your future at Jo Malone look like?
I would love to end up a boutique manager and then one day work in London for Jo Malone.
In your words what does our “high touch” culture?
To me it a unique luxury experience that they will cherish.
Working for La Mer is an absolute pleasure. I have a deep loyalty to the brand and a long withstanding passion for the products. I love being able to educate customers the customers on our beautiful products.
What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at La Mer thus far?
I had a very memorable sales experience on counter with a male customer. He had never used the La Mer products before however I was able to educate him on the benefits and resulted in selling him 14 units of La Mer product. He spent over two hours with me; I was able to build a wonderful rapport with him and we both enjoyed sharing stories. The end result was that he walked away from counter so grateful and pleased with his La Mer experience and I had sold approximately over $7000 worth of product.
What are your customers like?
My customers vary from age, gender and nationality. Over the years I have been working on this counter I have developed regular customers some of which have become good friends.
How was your first day?
Exciting! Overwhelming! I remember feeling delighted to be working for La Mer and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to grow my career.
What does your future at La Mer look like?
It looks positive. I have a great and supportive team around me who will help me on my road to success.
In your words what does our “High Touch” culture mean to you?
Making contact with a customer allows a personal connection and builds trust. It is what makes our brands so special.
Several years ago, after moving to Sydney, I enquired for a position with Aveda at the QVB store (even though no position was advertised). To my pleasant surprise, I was offered a position on the spot!
Why did you decide to join Aveda?
I had used Aveda products professionally, both during my training and when I owned my own salon. The quality of the products and the results they consistently provided were fabulous.
Plus, I used Aveda myself.
Additionally the company philosophy expressed in the mission statement “…to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society….” Impressed me greatly.
Why do you like working at Aveda?
I’ve found that Aveda is very forthcoming with numerous opportunities to grow my career, develop product and industry knowledge; as well as professional relationships with a great team of people.
It is also easy to be involved with such fantastic products.
What are your customers like?
My guests are intelligent, and interested in well-being. They use or are enquiring about AVEDA because they are aware the products are naturally-derived, and of high quality.
They love the aromas, and the results!
What sort of training have you been exposed to?
AVEDA provides an education calendar – including training in hair, skin, makeup and our well regarded ‘Rituals of Renewal
In your words what does our “high touch” culture?
Having a sincere, high quality personal interaction with our guests and with anyone we come into personal contact with.
It means continually developing ourselves and our knowledge, and extending ourselves and our care and regard for the company and its guests.
What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at Aveda thus far?
Every day is a ‘great day at Aveda!’ – I love the interaction with our guests, many of whom are ‘regulars.’ Having great product makes it a pleasure.
I think it is fairly well known in the industry, that Estee Lauder Companies is considered the best company to work for so when I received a call that this position was available I absolutely jumped at the chance to apply
Why do you like working at ELC?
The people, the brands, the way in which the company cares for and invests in its employees; there really are so many reasons why I love working here.
What is your favourite perk/benefit about working at ELC?
First and foremost working with the most talented people in the industry both locally and abroad as well as having access to the most cutting edge and effective products in the market is a benefit we all get to enjoy every day.
What cool projects have you worked on at ELC?
I have been fortunate enough to work on many incredible projects over the years however I guess when you tell your friends you are flying to London to have dinner with Tom Ford or Elizabeth Hurley the look on their faces reminds me how fortunate I am to have this role at ELC.
What sort of training have you been exposed to?
ELC prides itself on continually investing in its staff so I have been fortunate enough to attend many conferences and courses over the last four years of being here from product knowledge through to leadership development.
What does our “High Touch” culture mean to you?
“High Touch” to me means being and delivering the absolute best to everyone we touch whether it be during work, at social events, when travelling or even on holidays. It simply is being the absolute best, most helpful, considerate person you can be whilst still adhering to the company goals, values, beliefs and philosophy.
I started my career at ELC working on counter; I initially wanted to work for a brand that was prestigious, well respected and a leader in the cosmetics industry. I choose to continue working at ELC because of the ethics of the company, the reputation for the way we conduct business as an industry leader and the promise I am offered personally for future development.
Why do you like working at ELC?
I love that people come first and people matter here. You never feel like a number. ELC attracts recruits and retains talented individuals. This culture impacts me on a daily basis with the caliber of people I get to work with and get to learn from.
I also respect the “high touch” culture, striving for excellence in execution in everything we do.
What cool projects have you worked on at ELC?
I have been exposed as a make-up artist to productions like Australian Fashion Week, working alongside high profile makeup artists and with celebrity clients.
I have worked on in store make-up and skin events both local and internationally. One event I worked on in Bloomingdales NYC we have 350 appointments in one day!
I have attended make up artistry “bootcamps” in Asia Pacific and in US, where we were able to work alongside product development teams from the US and Japan and have direct input into new products colours and launches.
More recently I have been involved in representing Clinique at “The Superfoods Dinner” in Sydney, I was one of the judges for the Clinique “It Girls” competition for 2011 and am currently appearing in the Clinique “How To” videos on the Australian Clinique Facebook page and U-tube channel
What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at ELC thus far?
During my time at ELC, I have had the pleasure working across two brands. The most amazing experience I had was during my time with the Bobbi Brown brand. I had the opportunity to meet, learn from and work alongside Bobbi Brown, one of my personal make-up idols.
What is your favourite perk/benefit about working at ELC?
Constantly being exposed to different aspects and diverse areas of the business. Been given this chance has enabled me to build a diverse range of skills, work with many extremely talented people, who I have been able to learn from and this has allowed me to personally build my own skill set and develop talents.
What makes working at ELC special for you?
I love what I do, not many people can say or do say that. It is always in the back of my mind. I get to do something I love daily and at the same time have had amazing opportunities like the ones mentioned above. It is like icing on top of a very delicious cake.
When I was a little girl my Auntie worked for Estee Lauder. I visited her for the launch of 'Knowing' in Brisbane Myer City. She looked so glamorous in her perfect navy suit and I remember customers lining up to be served by her... It was so magical to me I just wanted to be a part of it!
Why do you like working at ELC?
I am so passionate about my 'home brand' MAC... However, ELC embraces so many different brand that each have their own uniqueness. I love that this company has such amazing brand diversity... One day you could be doing a photo shoot with MAC then at a luxurious facial event with La Mer- the career and path is yours!
What cool projects have you worked on at ELC?
Where do I begin?
I was sent to Las Vagas for MAC doing Make up. I joined Christina Agulia for her tour in Australia. I have done press launch with Chris Isaac. Photo shoots with Samantha Harris and Miranda Kerr... I have been so fortunate to work with some great leaders in the cosmetic and fashion industry!
What are your customers like?
They love the MAC experience... If they want a red lip, smokey eye, or a beautiful natural bronzed look anything is possible at MAC- we are the masters of transformation... And we always ensure our customers leave counter with a great Make Up Artist tip or trick.
How was your first day?
I was nervous... I had applied for MAC three times before I finally got the job. So, I was so excited to finally be there!
What does High Touch culture mean to you?
It means that myself and my leaders are there for our Artists. It’s so important that people see their leaders 'doing' not just 'saying'... Actions speak louder than words!
I actually feel quite privileged to be working with imagery and products that are so beautiful and for a company that has such presence in the cosmetic industry.
Why did you decide to come to ELC?
At the time, I wasn’t actively seeking a new position. An industry contact told me about a position within the Estee Lauder Creative Services Department. My production portfolio was ready and up to date. The rest is history. I was surprised at the time that I actually had the advertising experience and qualifications required. In hindsight, the timing was perfect as I was ready for a new opportunity and whilst I wanted to stay within the advertising industry the agency environment wasn’t for me. I knew very little about the Estee Lauder Group and the cosmetic industry at the time. In a way it felt like the industry came to me.
What sort of training have you been exposed to?
The company has been supportive in many areas of my development in the course of my employment. I have attended various training and development courses and recently completed the E3 Advance Leadership Development Program. I was very pleased to have been selected for the first pilot program and to have graduated.
How was your first day?
It was a long time ago but still very memorable. I had a wonderful manager and mentor who has left lasting impressions and has contributed to who I am today. As for that first day all those years ago, my manager took me to lunch with other members of the department and the Special Events team. By the end of that day after hearing stories about launches, projects and what lay ahead, I knew I was where I was meant to be.
What does your future at ELC look like?
More projects, deadlines, challenges, accomplishments and the opportunity to develop my knowledge in other areas of the business that relate to innovation in the Advertising / Creative world.
What is your favourite perk/benefit about working at ELC?
Mostly, great people, beautiful product, amazing imagery and lots of people contact both internally and externally.
Being involved in teams with local, regional and global representatives, I have met some amazing people with immense expertise in their area of responsibility.
Why do you like working at ELC?
My unofficial response may relate to the favourable ratio of female vs male staff, but my official response is that there are no two days the same.
What cool projects have you worked on at ELC?
The relocation project of the head office and distribution centre would top the list – it’s a rare experience in one’s career.
What are your customers like?
Supply Chain customers are both internal and external and both groups demand the best. Trying to find a healthy balance between service and cost is my priority.
What sort of training have you been exposed to?
Having only been here for a short time, I have not attended many courses. However, the on-boarding and Leading From Every Chair sessions I have attended were very inspiring and motivating.
The Strategic Modernisation Initiative (SMI) team is also doing a great job to provide awareness in terms of their upcoming projects.
What is your favourite perk/benefit about working at ELC?
Corporate store access would have to be my best perk so far, not for personal consumption, but let’s say I am a lot more popular at home since joining ELC.
