Senior People Partner - Retail in London

The Senior People Partner (Retail) is a critical role, acting as a true business partner, line manager, and the designated delegate for the Head of People Partnering and Talent Acquisition. You will execute the People & Culture plan across the entire UKEU business. This role demands advanced HR expertise to proactively manage organizational design, lead complex change management initiatives, and influence senior Retail leaders on critical matters of talent, performance, and succession. You will oversee and resolve the most complex, high-risk employee relations cases escalated from the field, ensuring all peoples solutions are commercially focused, legally sound, and reflective of our brand values.

Reporting into the Head of People Partnering and Talent Acquisition, this position holds direct line management responsibility for the People Advisor (Retail), serving as a key mentor and escalation point for the Retail People function. You will work collaboratively across the business, maintaining strong partnerships with senior Retail leadership (e.g., Head of Retail, District Managers, Brand Leaders) and corporate functions to drive consistent and commercially successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a co-pilot to senior Retail leadership, translating business goals into proactive, long-term people plans specifically for the Retail environment.
• Lead the execution and roll-out of People & Culture initiatives across UKEU Retail.
• Use data, logic, and advanced persuasion to influence Retail leaders to make people-focused decisions that drive positive change and commercial retail goals.
• Lead and manage complex organizational design, restructuring, and redundancy programmes specific to the Retail store network.
• Take accountability for critical P&C processes and decision sign-offs for the Retail client group.
• Lead talent reviews and succession planning cycles for the Retail client group, identifying and mitigating future talent risks.
• Line manage, coach, and actively develop the People Advisor (Retail).
• Provide coaching and counsel to Retail leaders on organizational effectiveness and team performance across the store network.
• Lead and resolve high-risk and complex employee relations cases.
• Identify and pre-empt any potential sources of conflict within the Retail client group.
• Anticipate the impact of organizational change on the brand.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Demonstrable experience in line managing, coaching, and mentoring junior HR professionals.
• Genuine love for fashion and ability to connect with customers and colleagues.
• Resilient, focused on solutions, and committed to overcoming challenges.
• Deep understanding of the Retail business and operating models.
• Authoritative knowledge of UKEU employment law and HR best practice.
• Highly skilled in relationship building, negotiation, and using advanced persuasion tactics.
• Proficient in using HR data to provide analysis and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness, acting as a determined protector of our brand.
• A history of driving own activity and demonstrating initiative.
• Exceptional skills in building trust and managing conflicting priorities among senior executives.
• CIPD or equivalent experience is highly desirable.

Based in our East London Studios in vibrant Shoreditch with perks and benefits offered from local businesses including discounts on food, shopping and health & beauty. Approximately a 10 minute walk from Liverpool Street Station and a 5 minute walk from Shoreditch High Street.

Benefits:

• A generous wardrobe allowance.
• Employee discount for you to spend with family and friends.
• 25 days holiday increasing to 28 days after 2 years continuous service.
• Bank holidays, birthdays and volunteering days off.
• Access to dental cash plan & free virtual GP appointments.
• Life assurance cover.
• Access to discounted gym membership and corporate discounts.
• Hybrid working in our historic East London studios.
• Free, confidential, wellbeing and lifestyle support.
• Enhanced family leave benefits.
• Health days for physical or mental wellness.
• Dedicated mental health support.
• Eye care vouchers, season ticket loans and much more!

Our aim is to develop truly diverse teams and create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to give of their best whilst contributing to the success of our brand. We recognise the importance and strength of diversity and commit to providing equal opportunities to everyone in our employment and recruitment processes.