At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to deliver impactful HR support across a diverse retail workforce.
- Company: Join Fanatics Commerce, the global leader in licensed sports merchandise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment obsessed with fans.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR within retail or eCommerce and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Fanatics Commerce is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise, operating a vertically integrated platform that designs, manufactures, and delivers officially licensed apparel, jerseys, headwear, and collectibles for major leagues, teams, and events worldwide. With more than 900 e-commerce sites and a global omnichannel presence across digital, in-venue, and retail, Fanatics Commerce reaches fans in over 180 countries and powers official fan experiences for many of the world's most iconic sports properties. At Fanatics, we bring our BOLD Leadership Principles to life every day - building championship teams, obsessing over fans, acting with entrepreneurial speed, and delivering with a determined and relentless mindset.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Partnering closely with senior leaders across corporate functions in the UK and international markets, the HR Business Partner (Retail) serves as a trusted advisor delivering commercially focused HR support across a diverse, multi-site workforce. This role balances strategic business partnering with operational delivery, collaborating with Centres of Excellence across Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Reward & Benefits, and Payroll to ensure a joined-up, high-impact people approach. The HR Business Partner (Retail) delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and execution excellence, leveraging data, automation, and AI-enabled insights.
HOW WILL YOU DRIVE IMPACT
- Team & Leadership Impact (Build Championship Teams)
- Collaborate closely with HR Business Partners across Retail, Commercial, and Operations to ensure a consistent, joined-up approach across Fanatics International Commerce.
- Work in close partnership with TA, TD, Reward & Benefits, and Payroll COE functions to deliver aligned, end-to-end people solutions across multiple geographies.
- Drive consistency in people practices across the UK and international markets, navigating local legislation and cultural nuances with confidence.
- People Leadership
- Coach and develop leaders to enhance people management capability, driving high performance, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Support organisational design, restructures, and consultation processes, ensuring alignment with business strategy and legal requirements.
- Anticipate organisational needs and proactively support leaders through periods of change and growth.
- Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)
- Act as a true business partner, providing proactive, commercially focused HR guidance that supports performance, growth, and organisational effectiveness across the business.
- Take ownership of key HR programmes and initiatives — including engagement, retention, performance, and development — embedding BOLD Behaviours and driving actions that enhance the employee experience across all stages of the lifecycle.
- Contribute to building a strong, inclusive culture that values performance, innovation, and employee experience, ensuring all people practices reflect the needs of a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
- Partner with leaders to build high-performing, engaged teams that are equipped to deliver outstanding outcomes for fans and stakeholders alike.
- Innovation & Problem Solving (Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit)
- Analyse workforce data through Oracle and interpret people trends to provide insight-led recommendations that support strategic decision-making.
- Contribute to the ongoing transition towards a Centre of Excellence model, bringing creative thinking and a continuous improvement mindset to evolving people practices.
- Drive consistency and innovation in people frameworks, policies, and best practice across a geographically diverse workforce.
- Identify opportunities to embed new tools, technologies, and data-driven approaches to enhance the effectiveness of the HR function.
- Ownership & Execution (Determined & Relentless Mindset)
- Serve as a trusted advisor on Employee Relations matters, working closely with the ER Manager and Global Employment Counsel to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant outcomes.
- Support and embed people policies, frameworks, and governance standards, ensuring alignment and compliance across the UK and international markets.
- Manage multiple priorities across different functions, geographies, and employee populations with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
- Take end-to-end ownership of complex HR initiatives and change programmes, ensuring delivery against business objectives and timelines.
AI & DIGITAL CAPABILITY
We are building a future-ready organization. This role is expected to:
- Apply AI and technology to improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes
- Use data and digital tools to inform decisions and enhance performance
- Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in adopting new technologies and ways of working
- Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
CAPABILITIES & EXPERIENCE YOU BRING
- Proven experience operating as an HR Business Partner within a fast-paced, multi-site, retail, or eCommerce environment.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of UK Employment Law, with exposure to international markets — experience with Australian employment legislation is desirable.
- Demonstrated experience managing Employee Relations matters, with the ability to partner effectively with ER specialists and legal counsel.
- Experience working within or alongside a Centre of Excellence model, collaborating across specialist functions including TA, TD, Reward, and Payroll.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance business outcomes, risk, and employee experience in a high-growth environment.
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate workforce insights — including through tools such as Oracle — into actionable people strategies.
- Excellent communication and coaching skills, with demonstrated ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders and navigate complex, sensitive situations.
- Experience of TUPE and leading or supporting organisational change and transformation programmes is advantageous.
WORK LOCATION
Hybrid: Your work location will be onsite in Manchester 3 days per week. This role will also require frequent travel across the UK to our Retail Stores.
At Fanatics, we operate with a BOLD mindset - We Build Championship Teams, we’re Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined and Relentless Mindset. If you’re ready to contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth, we want you to be part of our team.
HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover) in Manchester employer: Fanatics Commerce
Fanatics Commerce is an excellent employer for those passionate about sports and retail, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive during high-energy game days. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have opportunities to enhance your product knowledge and customer service skills while being part of a supportive team that values exceptional service and brand representation. Located in a vibrant area, the company fosters a culture of enthusiasm and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to work for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the retail space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover) 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 Fanatics Commerce!
✨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 Fanatics Commerce.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover) 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 Fanatics Commerce. 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 Fanatics Commerce 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 Fanatics Commerce. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Fanatics Commerce'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 Fanatics Commerce
✨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 Fanatics Commerce.
✨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 Fanatics Commerce 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 Fanatics Commerce and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
