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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in HR through structured rotations and real-world projects.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading global retailer in sports fashion with a rich history since 1981.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, personal development opportunities, and a dedicated mentor throughout the programme.
- Why this job: Shape your career in a dynamic environment focused on people, culture, and innovation.
- Qualifications: Open to graduates from any discipline with a passion for people and effective communication skills.
- Other info: Full-time role starting September 2025, with opportunities for networking and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the People (HR) Graduate Programme 2025 role at JD Sports Fashion. 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.
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.
Programme Structure
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.
- 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.
Learning & Development Support 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 employer: JD Sports Fashion
Contact Detail:
JD Sports Fashion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People (HR) Graduate Programme 2025
✨Tip Number 1
Research JD Sports Fashion thoroughly. Understand their company culture, values, and recent initiatives in the HR space. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of JD Sports. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect and ask about their experiences in the People Team. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend industry events or webinars focused on HR trends and practices. Engaging in discussions and learning from experts can enhance your understanding of the field and give you talking points for interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during any interactions with JD Sports representatives. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace People (HR) Graduate Programme 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the People (HR) Graduate Programme. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the skills required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Craft a Tailored CV: Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the programme's focus on talent acquisition, culture, and employee engagement. Use specific examples to demonstrate your passion for people and HR.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the JD Group and the graduate programme. Mention how your values align with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals in a people-led organisation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Sports Fashion
✨Research JD Sports Fashion
Before your interview, take the time to learn about JD Sports Fashion's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their mission to be a people-led, innovative organisation will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Show Your Passion for People
As this role is focused on HR, it's crucial to demonstrate your genuine passion for people and culture. Be prepared to share examples of how you've engaged with others in previous roles or during your studies, highlighting your proactive approach to building relationships.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples from your experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the graduate programme, such as opportunities for professional development or how success is measured within the People Team. This shows your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
