HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover) in Manchester

HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover) in Manchester

Manchester Temporary 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Partner with leaders to deliver impactful HR support across diverse retail teams.
  • Company: Join Fanatics, the global leader in licensed sports merchandise.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative environment focused on fans.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR within retail or eCommerce and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

  • HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover)
  • Manchester, England, United Kingdom

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

Success is measured by the ability to deliver results through BOLD capabilities and measurable outcomes.

  • 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.
  • 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 - 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
  • 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 e Commerce 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.

ABOUT US

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform.

We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet.

Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and i Gaming platform.

Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores.

Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Fanatics Commerce is a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods.

It operates a vertically-integrated platform of digital and physical capabilities for leading sports leagues, teams, colleges, and associations globally – as well as its flagship site, www. fanatics. com .

Fanatics Commerce has a broad range of online, sports venue, and vertical apparel partnerships worldwide, including comprehensive partnerships with leading leagues, teams, colleges, and sports organizations across the world—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, Formula 1, and Australian Football League (AFL); the Dallas Cowboys, Golden State Warriors, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea FC, and Tokyo Giants; the University of Notre Dame, University of Alabama, and University of Texas; the International Olympic Committee (IOC), England Rugby, and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

  • At Fanatics Commerce, we infuse our BOLD Leadership Principles in everything we do:
  • Build Championship Teams
  • Obsessed with Fans
  • Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • Determined and Relentless Mindset

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.

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HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover) in Manchester employer: Fanatics

At Fanatics, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates sports enthusiasm. Our Retail Sales Associates enjoy competitive benefits, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the chance to be part of a dynamic team that thrives in a high-energy environment, especially during game days. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences for fellow sports fans while developing your career in the heart of the action.

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Contact Details:

Fanatics Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover) in Manchester

Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies

Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.

Network at HR Events and Workshops

Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!

Showcase Your Flexibility

In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Fanatics and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!

We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner - Retail (12 month FTC, Mat Cover) in Manchester

HR Business Partnering
Employee Relations
UK Employment Law
International Employment Legislation
Data Analysis
Oracle
Coaching Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!

Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!

Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!

Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Fanatics. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Fanatics

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at Fanatics, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.

Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools

Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Fanatics uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.

Your Motivation Matters

As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Fanatics.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Fanatics.