At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert employee relations advice and support across various departments.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading global retailer in sports fashion and outdoor gear.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, personal development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting colleagues and driving best practices in employee relations.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified or equivalent experience in HR, preferably in retail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
JD Sports- Head Office, 0001 Warehouse, ROCHDALE, Rochdale, United Kingdom
Job Description
Posted Monday 13 July 2026 at 00:00
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.
Employee Relations Advisor
Responsible to
Employee Relations Senior Advisor
Department
Employee Relations
Location
- Bury with travel to Kingsway and other Head Office locations
- Role
Overview: Deliver a professional, proactive and flexible Employee Relations service by providing appropriate generalist advice and support to all colleagues.
Driving best practice and ensuring compliance with all Company policies and procedures in line with employment legislation.
Key Duties/Responsibilities
- To provide practical and effective first line employee relations advice across the Group to Line Managers and colleagues covering Retail, Gyms, Supply Chain and Head Office.
This includes (but is not limited to) providing timely and accurate advice with regards to disciplinary, grievance, absence management and family friendly policies.
- Able to manage queries empathetically and in turn communicate outcomes clearly and articulately with the aim of minimising appeals.
- Act as a team player with the wider People team by sharing knowledge and expertise.
- Support and coach Line Managers to effectively manage and resolve employee relations matters through to appropriate conclusions.
- Provide support to Line Managers and the wider People team during meetings.
- Have an excellent working knowledge of up to date employment legislation, best practice and case law.
- Able to work autonomously and prioritise accordingly (with guidance and support from the People Leadership team where required).
- Be able to use Occupational Health appropriately within employee relations casework and write referrals to OH Advisors.
- Communicate with and support the People Leadership team to ensure employee relations policies and procedures are fairly and proportionately applied, whilst identifying opportunities for improvement to current practices.
- Understand the Groups’ responsibilities to statutory regulations.
- Maintain clear audit trails for all People records in accordance with GDPR regulations.
- Support in ensuring that critical monthly and annual cycle People processes are executed within the relevant timescales.
- Assist with project work when required.
Skills/Knowledge Needed
- CIPD qualified to a minimum of Level 5.
Level 3 may be considered if the candidate is able to demonstrate substantial relevant HR generalist based work experience, with a desire to gain Level 5 qualification.
- Previous HR/People Advisor related experience is essential, preferably in a retail environment or another fast-paced, constantly changing People environment, with responsibility for managing high volume complex caseloads.
- Excellent knowledge of employment legislation and Employee Relations policies and procedures.
- Be comfortable offering advice and minute taking in formal meetings to ensure all interactions are documented accurately and conducted appropriately.
- Good communication skills with the ability to guide and influence and the confidence to challenge current practices appropriately where required.
- Able to communicate clearly and articulately with all stakeholders throughout the business.
- Proficient knowledge of Office365 and HR Systems (Previous experience of Dayforce would be advantageous)
- Accurate typing skills recognising the need for attention to detail.
- Proven experience of working within a constantly changing environment.
- Flexible to work outside of standard office hours if required to support a 24/7 operation.
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 Discounts on JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Employee Relations Advisor in Rochdale employer: JDSPORTS
At JDSPORTS, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive work environment that prioritises personal development and growth. As an EMEA HRIS & People Tech SME, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, offering you the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a culture that champions work-life balance and employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Advisor in Rochdale
✨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 JDSPORTS!
✨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 JDSPORTS.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Advisor in Rochdale
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 JDSPORTS. 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 JDSPORTS 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 JDSPORTS. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to JDSPORTS'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 JDSPORTS
✨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 JDSPORTS.
✨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 JDSPORTS 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 JDSPORTS and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
