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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and drive organisational change across a national retail operation.
- Company: Major UK retailer undergoing significant growth and transformation.
- Benefits: £85,000 salary, company car or allowance, plus additional benefits.
- Why this job: Shape HR practices in a fast-paced environment with real impact and autonomy.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience, CIPD Level 5 or 7 preferred, strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence and modernise HR in a rapidly expanding business.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
A major UK retailer undergoing significant growth and transformation is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to lead the people agenda across its national retail operation. Although titled HRBP, this role carries true Head of HR-level scope, influence and responsibility. With more than 20,000 employees, 600+ sites and a rapid expansion plan, this is an opportunity to step into a business at a pivotal moment shaping the HR strategy, partnering closely with senior operational leaders and driving meaningful organisational change.
The organisation is fast-paced and commercially driven, with a culture that values pragmatism, autonomy and trust. The HR function is partway through a strategic reset, with new leadership in place and a clear mandate to modernise, professionalise and strengthen the people agenda.
As the senior HR partner for the national retail division, you will:
- Partner directly with senior operational leaders including Regional Managers, Area Managers and central retail leadership.
- Build credibility quickly in an environment where HR is evolving towards a more strategic, commercially aligned model.
- Lead the people strategy across eight UK regions, influencing the performance, capability and culture of a large, complex field population.
- Play a central role in organisation design, workforce planning, talent development and leadership capability.
- Drive more structured, consistent and scalable HR practices - but with pragmatism and sensitivity to what will "land" in a fast-moving retail environment.
This is not a first step-up role. You will already operate confidently at scale and at senior level.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic HR Partnering
- Organisation Design & Change Leadership
- Talent, Performance & Capability
- Employee Relations & Engagement
- Data, Insight & Workforce Analytics
What Makes This Role Unique
- Scope equivalent to Head of HR, with direct access to senior operational and people leadership.
- A business with huge growth ambition - moving toward 700+ and ultimately 1,000 sites.
- A chance to shape a function mid-transformation, with significant freedom to influence, build, design and modernise.
- A field-based, relationship-driven role with genuine impact and autonomy.
- A company car is provided due to the national travel requirement.
What We're Looking For
- A highly credible HR Business Partner already operating at senior/Head of HR level in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
- CIPD Level 5 minimum, Level 7 preferred.
- Strong commercial acumen able to translate people strategy into operational success.
- Emotionally intelligent, pragmatic and able to influence senior stakeholders with balance and maturity.
- Experience across organisational change, talent development, ER, leadership coaching and OD.
- Someone energised by complexity, pace and building something better than what currently exists.
This role will suit someone who enjoys creating order from ambiguity, building relationships at pace, and raising standards pragmatically rather than idealistically.
HR Business Partner (Head of HR) employer: Macmillan Davies
Contact Detail:
Macmillan Davies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner (Head of HR)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend HR events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more faces you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for those interviews! Research the company inside out and prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Think about specific examples where you've driven change or improved processes – they love that!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! Companies want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to let your passion for HR shine through. Be authentic and engage with your interviewers – it’s all about building that connection.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner (Head of HR)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in HR strategy, organisational change, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to influence at a senior level.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven HR initiatives in fast-paced environments and how you can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We want to see how you can translate people strategies into operational success. Include examples of how you've aligned HR practices with business goals and improved performance in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macmillan Davies
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around strategic HR partnering and organisational change. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past and how you can bring that experience to the table.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong understanding of how people strategy translates into operational success. Prepare examples of how you've aligned HR initiatives with business goals, particularly in fast-paced environments.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to navigate complex relationships or sensitive issues. Highlight your ability to influence and engage with senior leaders while maintaining a pragmatic approach.
✨Embrace the Challenge
This position is all about shaping a function mid-transformation. Share your experiences of working in dynamic settings and how you've successfully created order from ambiguity. Show them you're energised by complexity and ready to make an impact!
