At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our People Team to gain hands-on experience in HR across various functions.
- Company: JD Sports is a leading global retailer in sports fashion and outdoor gear.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, personal development opportunities, and a dedicated mentor.
- Other info: Full-time role starting September 2025 with structured rotations over two years.
- Why this job: Shape your career with purpose while contributing to a dynamic, people-focused culture.
- Qualifications: Open to graduates from any discipline with a passion for people and culture.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms with our colleagues working in stores across several retail fascias in many markets around the world. JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019 and continues to grow in the UK and internationally.
We want to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To be a part of this successful company and help us to achieve this you will have the desire to ingrain our strategic goals of being a people-led, innovative and customer-focused organisation which provides operational excellence whilst identifying new areas of growth as part of our day to day objectives.
Working Hours: 40 Hours
Duration: 2 Years
Location: Head Office, Bury BL9 8RR
Department: People
Role objective: At JD, our people are at the core of everything we do. As a global leader in multi-channel retail, our continued success is fuelled by passionate, skilled, and ambitious teams. The People Team Graduate Programme is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the full employee lifecycle, developing your expertise in talent, learning, operations, reward, and more. Over two years, you’ll complete structured rotations across key People functions, supported by a dedicated mentor, real-world projects, and ongoing professional development.
Whether you aspire to be an HR generalist or a future specialist in a particular area, this programme will give you the foundations, networks, and confidence to shape a career with purpose and impact at JD. You’ll undertake four core rotations across the programme giving you comprehensive exposure across the People function. Each placement is designed to build your technical skills, commercial awareness, and strategic mindset.
- Rotation Areas:
- People Talent & Development
- Focus: Talent acquisition & Learning and Development
- Learn the full end-to-end recruitment process
- Partner with a variety of hiring managers to assist in recruiting vacancies across the business
- Help shape and assist the delivery of learning programmes for head office colleagues.
- Culture & Purpose
- Focus: Culture, wellbeing, inclusion, Apprenticeships & emerging talent and engagement
- Support delivery of key engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
- Contribute to internal communications, events, and employee voice activities.
- Get involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion campaigns and employee networks.
- Focus on our social mobility programmes and apprenticeship offerings
- People Services
- Focus: HR systems, data, and employee lifecycle processes
- Gain hands-on experience managing HR processes such as onboarding, contracts, and leaver administration.
- Gain an understanding of policies, investigations, and best-practice approaches to people challenges.
- People Reward
- Focus: Pay, benefits, and recognition
- Learn how pay structures, benchmarking, and benefits align with JD’s strategic goals.
- Help with data analysis and reporting on reward outcomes.
- Explore how recognition initiatives drive culture and motivation.
Throughout the programme you’ll receive:
- A dedicated graduate programme mentor
- Opportunities to attend external events
- Access to shadowing, coaching, and networking opportunities across the wider business
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from graduates in any discipline who:
- Have a genuine passion for people, culture, and the JD Group’s mission
- Are curious, proactive, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment
- Can build strong relationships and communicate effectively at all levels
- Are available to join the business full-time from September 2025
Why Choose JD?
From our roots in Bury to becoming a global force in retail, JD is built on bold ambition and relentless energy. By joining our People Team, you’ll be part of a movement to shape not just careers, but the future of our business. This graduate programme is your platform to make a difference, grow as a future People leader, and leave your mark on a truly international brand.
We know our colleagues work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits including staff discount on JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.
People (HR) Graduate Programme 2025 in Luton employer: JD Sports Fashion PLC
JD Sports is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment at our Head Office in Bury. Our People (HR) Graduate Programme provides invaluable hands-on experience across various HR functions, fostering personal and professional growth through structured rotations, mentorship, and access to networking opportunities. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that prioritises well-being and inclusion, JD Sports empowers you to shape a meaningful career in the thriving world of retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People (HR) Graduate Programme 2025 in Luton
✨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 JD Sports Fashion PLC!
✨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 JD Sports Fashion PLC.
We think you need these skills to ace People (HR) Graduate Programme 2025 in Luton
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 JD Sports Fashion PLC. 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 JD Sports Fashion PLC 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 JD Sports Fashion PLC. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to JD Sports Fashion PLC'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 JD Sports Fashion PLC
✨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 JD Sports Fashion PLC.
✨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 JD Sports Fashion PLC 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 JD Sports Fashion PLC and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
