People Business Partner – South Region

About the Role

A people professional who effectively partners with key retail leaders through support and challenge, bringing data‑led insights, and contributing to the delivery of a high‑impact People Plan. The role involves spending 2-3 days a week in southern retail stores, from Birmingham/Northampton down to the South coast.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with retail leaders and the People Function Centres of Excellence to co‑design and execute a people plan that meets operational needs while aligning with the broader Group People Strategy.
• Support leaders across the full colleague life cycle and partner with Centres of Excellence (ER, Reward, L&D, Inclusion), ensuring leaders make the right decisions for the business.
• Maintain a high‑visibility presence in the area, building strong relationships with leaders and line managers.
• Act as a “critical friend” and coach to leaders, influencing people‑led decisions to improve engagement, productivity, and retention through a combination of effective support and challenge.
• Support key change management initiatives to keep the business agile and effective.
• Lead talent development and succession planning within your area of accountability to build a robust pipeline of future leaders.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• If you can translate business goals into people initiatives that deliver tangible bottom‑line impact.
• If you are an expert at analysing people metrics to diagnose risks, identify trends, and evaluate opportunities.
• If you can influence and challenge with exceptional stakeholder‑management skills, confidently navigating complex professional relationships.
• If you possess a “can‑do” mindset with the flexibility to pivot between high‑level strategy and hands‑on operational support.
• A proven track record in HR partnering, with significant expertise within Employee Relations, Reward, and Talent Management.
• Extensive experience providing credible, business‑focused advice to senior stakeholders and managers.
• A demonstrated passion for building inclusive, high‑performance workplace cultures.
• CIPD membership or equivalent professional experience is considered valuable.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Hybrid working—2 days a week at home.
• Potential annual bonus scheme: contribute to our success and get rewarded for it.
• Growth and training: learn new skills and develop your career with us.
• Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year.
• Discounts: get 30% off DFS and Sofology products, and savings at big brands like Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and IKEA.
• Well‑being perks: access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.
• Pension and savings: join our Group Pension and Share‑save schemes.
• Life assurance and sick pay: peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

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