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- Tasks: Lead the HR strategy and drive organisational change across a national retail operation.
- Company: Major UK retailer with ambitious growth plans and a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape HR practices in a fast-paced environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience, CIPD Level 5 or 7, and strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence and modernise HR in a rapidly expanding business.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 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. 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) in London 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) in London
✨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 job.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for those interviews! Research the company inside out and prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to showcase your strategic thinking and ability to drive change.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that HR Business Partner role!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner (Head of HR) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in strategic HR, 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 experiences that align with our fast-paced, growth-driven environment and how you can contribute to shaping our people strategy.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We’re looking for someone who can translate people strategy into operational success. In your application, give examples of how you've done this in the past, especially in multi-site environments. This will help us see your potential impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macmillan Davies
✨Know Your HR Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's current HR strategy and transformation goals. Understand how they align with the broader business objectives. This will help you articulate how your experience can directly contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully translated HR initiatives into operational success. Highlight your understanding of the retail environment and how strategic HR practices can drive performance in a fast-paced setting.
✨Build Credibility Quickly
Think about how you can establish trust and credibility with senior leaders from the get-go. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and lead change effectively, especially in complex environments.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
In your responses, showcase your emotional intelligence and pragmatic approach. Discuss how you've navigated challenging employee relations situations or organisational changes, focusing on your ability to balance sensitivity with business needs.
