At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong relationships and support HR strategy across our dynamic brands.
- Company: Join the innovative Debenhams Group, a leader in online fashion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, vibrant culture, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Embrace change and make a real impact in a supportive community.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced team shaping the future of retail.
- Qualifications: Experience as an HR Business Partner in a high-energy environment.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division. We don’t stand still; we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.
We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
In the People team, we support our people to love what they do and feel valued as they develop and grow. We focus on transforming and reimagining the entire candidate and employee experience for the better through change, growth, and opportunity. We want the Group to be the best employer within the e-commerce fashion industry.
We are looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to be based at our Manchester office, 5 days per week.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
No two days at Debenhams Group are ever the same, and with our ambitious growth plans there’s certainly lots to do! This is your opportunity to work in a small and close-knit team who all roll up their sleeves and get stuck into whatever challenge comes our way!
- You’ll build strong relationships with the brand leadership teams, acting as a trusted coach and advisor on all people matters.
- You’ll support the Head of HR in shaping and delivering the HR strategy for Debenhams across Manchester and London.
- You’ll work closely with our Talent Acquisition team to make sure we are attracting and hiring the best talent.
- You’ll partner with our talented Talent Development team to identify and deliver relevant development initiatives for your brands.
- You will work with the Senior Leadership team and Head of HR on Talent succession.
- You’ll manage all employee relations queries for your brands, demonstrating empathy, commercial understanding and integrity at all times.
- You’ll keep up to date with the latest HR trends and employment legislation changes, actively sharing ideas on how we can improve the employee experience for our teams.
- You’ll play an active role in leading on employee engagement initiatives.
- You’ll lead and support your brands through any organisational change initiatives.
- You’ll live and breathe our values, acting as a role model and confidently challenging any behaviours which don’t align to our culture.
MORE ABOUT YOU
We work closely alongside our brands, therefore the ability to build trusted relationships and understand commercial challenges quickly is key. Previous experience at a HR Business Partner level in a fast-paced environment is essential.
Our teams are all super busy, so when they come to us for advice we like to know our stuff, so it’s important you have strong ER experience and are confident in constructively challenging our teams.
We like to move fast and don’t like to be controlled by too many rules or processes, so you’ll need to be confident making decisions quickly and autonomously. We’re a friendly and hardworking team, and it’s important that anyone joining us shares our values: be brave, be creative, be a community.
Why join us
We are making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group. Let’s lead the change together.
HR Business Partner in Manchester employer: Debenhams Group
At Debenhams Group, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer that champions growth and creativity within the e-commerce fashion industry. Our Manchester office offers a vibrant work culture where every team member is encouraged to embrace challenges and contribute to meaningful change, supported by robust development opportunities and a commitment to employee engagement. Join us to be part of a close-knit team that values bold thinking and collaboration, making a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner in Manchester
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Debenhams Group!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Debenhams Group.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Debenhams Group. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Debenhams Group and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Debenhams Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Debenhams Group's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Debenhams Group.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Debenhams Group will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Debenhams Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
