At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, payroll coordination, and employee relations in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join SKIMS, a cutting-edge brand redefining modern apparel with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Thriving, fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while shaping the future of a global fashion brand.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years HR experience, retail background, and strong knowledge of employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SKIMS is a solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, shapewear, and essentials. We are setting new standards by delivering technically innovative, comfort-driven products with elevated design for everybody. At the intersection of culture, innovation, and commerce, SKIMS is a global brand redefining modern apparel. Our teams are built on creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performance environment where ambitious, curious, and values-driven individuals can do the best work of their careers.
As we continue to scale globally, our HQ teams play a critical role in shaping strategy, building world-class infrastructure, and driving sustainable growth across markets.
As the HR Director, you will be responsible for the hands-on delivery of HR operations. This is an operational role focused on HR administration, payroll coordination, employee relations, and the consistent execution of people processes. You will work closely with Retail and Corporate business partners to support day-to-day people matters, ensure compliance with UK employment legislation, and deliver a reliable, people-first experience for every Team Member.
Key Responsibilities- HR Operations & Administration: Own and execute day-to-day HR operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency across all people processes. Manage payroll inputs, audits, and queries in partnership with payroll providers, ensuring compliance and on-time delivery. Maintain accurate employee records, contracts, policy acknowledgements, and HR systems in line with employment legislation and GDPR requirements.
- Employee Relations & Compliance: Lead employee relations matters end to end, including absence management, performance management, disciplinary processes, grievances, and investigations. Ensure all people practices are compliant with employment law, company policies, and best practice standards. Provide clear, fair, and empathetic guidance to leaders and employees, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
- Talent & Workforce Support: Support retail talent acquisition from a people operations perspective, including contracts, onboarding, and compliance checks. Partner with leaders to proactively plan workforce needs, support retention, and build strong internal pipelines. Deliver a seamless onboarding experience that ensures new hires feel welcomed, informed, and set up for success from day one.
- Performance, Development & Engagement: Support the execution of performance management cycles, ensuring clarity of expectations, documentation, and follow through.
- Culture & Values: Model SKIMS values in every interaction and actively contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and high trust workplace culture. Inspire confidence and accountability while supporting a culture rooted in growth, care, and continuous improvement.
- Degree in Human Resources Management or equivalent.
- CIPD qualification (or working towards) is a strong plus.
- 7-10 years of experience in an HR generalist role.
- Background in Retail is a must.
- Strong hands-on experience in HR administration, HR operations, payroll coordination, and employee relations.
- Solid knowledge of employment law and HR best practices, with the ability to apply them pragmatically in a fast-moving business.
- Proven ability to work independently with a self-starter, entrepreneurial mindset - you see what needs to be done and do it.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Confident problem solver with a calm, solutions-oriented approach to complex or sensitive situations.
- High levels of emotional intelligence, integrity, and discretion.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels of the business.
- Passion for the SKIMS brand and an authentic commitment to creating meaningful employee experiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, take initiative without being asked, and are deeply comfortable owning the detail - from payroll accuracy to employee relations - while keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
- Group Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Critical Illness
- Pension Scheme
- Modern Health
- ClassPass
Retail HR Director: Operations & Payroll Leader in London employer: Job Search Place Limited
SKIMS is an exceptional employer that champions creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence within a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Retail HR Director, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering comprehensive benefits such as Private Medical Insurance and a supportive framework for professional development. Join us at our headquarters, where your contributions will directly impact our mission to redefine modern apparel and create meaningful experiences for every team member.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail HR Director: Operations & Payroll Leader in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the retail HR space. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching SKIMS and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re someone who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the role. Focus on your retail HR experience and be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SKIMS team. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail HR Director: Operations & Payroll Leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Retail Experience:Make sure to highlight your retail experience in your application. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on sharing specific examples of your achievements in the retail sector.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Use the job description as a guide to emphasise the skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit for the HR Director position at SKIMS.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you stand out as a candidate.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the SKIMS team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Retail Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your retail experience and be ready to discuss specific examples. Think about how you've handled HR operations in a retail setting, especially around payroll and employee relations. This will show that you understand the unique challenges of the industry.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As an HR Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong communication and emotional intelligence. Prepare to share stories where you've successfully navigated complex employee relations issues or fostered a positive workplace culture. This will highlight your ability to connect with team members at all levels.
✨Be Compliance Savvy
Familiarise yourself with UK employment legislation and GDPR requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, particularly in payroll and HR administration. This will reassure them that you can handle the legal side of HR effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
With multiple priorities in HR, being organised is key. Share examples of how you've managed various HR processes simultaneously, from onboarding to performance management cycles. This will demonstrate your ability to keep everything running smoothly in a fast-paced environment.
