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 inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Thriving culture that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experiences while shaping the future of a global 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. 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 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.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 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.
Benefits, Culture and Perks
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
- Group Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Critical Illness
- Pension Scheme
- Modern Health
- ClassPass
Retail HR Director: Operations & Payroll Leader 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 atmosphere where your contributions directly impact the brand's innovative journey. Join us at our headquarters to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to redefining modern apparel while fostering meaningful employee experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail HR Director: Operations & Payroll Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching SKIMS and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase your passion for the brand and demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR interview questions, especially those related to employee relations and compliance. Being able to articulate your experience clearly will show that you're ready to tackle the challenges of the role head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining the SKIMS team directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail HR Director: Operations & Payroll Leader
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 mission at SKIMS, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant stories and achievements!
Tailor Your Application:Customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Director role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your skills and experiences shine without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at SKIMS!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Retail Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your retail experience and be ready to discuss specific examples. Think about challenges you've faced in HR within a retail context and how you overcame them. This will show that you understand the unique dynamics of the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your HR Expertise
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with HR operations, payroll coordination, and employee relations. Be ready to share how you've ensured compliance with employment legislation and how you've handled sensitive situations in the past.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role is all about delivering a people-first experience, think of examples where you've built trust and credibility with employees and leaders alike. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how it has helped you navigate complex employee relations matters.
✨Align with SKIMS Values
Familiarise yourself with SKIMS' culture and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive and high-performance environment. Show your passion for the brand and how you can help create meaningful employee experiences that align with their mission.
