At a Glance
- Tasks: Support retail teams by driving performance and engagement across multiple sites.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail leader committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible travel required; thrive in a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact in a fast-paced environment while building strong relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR Business Partnering within retail and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Ideally based around Northampton / Milton Keynes / Rugby
Travel: Regular regional travel required (3–4 days per week, including overnight stays)
We’re looking for an experienced Field People Partner to support our Southern region across a fast-paced, multi-site retail environment. Working closely with senior operational leaders, you’ll act as a trusted people advisor, helping to drive performance, engagement and capability across the region. This is a highly visible role where you’ll spend significant time in stores, partnering with leaders to embed people initiatives, support succession planning and create high-performing teams.
You’ll play a key role in delivering both strategic and operational people priorities, using data and insight to influence decision-making and support commercial objectives. From coaching and challenging leaders to driving consistency in people practices, you’ll help shape a strong people culture across your region.
As part of the wider People team, you’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across the function, sharing best practice and ensuring alignment on key people initiatives and business priorities. This role requires regular travel across the South, typically 3–4 days per week, including overnight stays, so flexibility and comfort with regional travel is essential.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-moving retail environment and brings strong experience operating in a true Business Partnering role. You will ideally have:
- Previous experience in a People Partner / HR Business Partner role within retail or another multi-site environment
- Strong understanding of fast-paced operational businesses and the ability to work at pace
- Proven experience partnering with senior operational stakeholders
- Confidence coaching, influencing and challenging leaders at all levels
- A commercially focused mindset with the ability to use people data and insight to support decision-making
- Experience driving engagement, performance, succession and capability initiatives
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
- Flexibility to travel extensively across the Southern region, including overnight stays
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced People Partner who enjoys being close to the business, building strong stakeholder relationships and making a visible impact across a large retail operation.
We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.
We want to give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:
- 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
- Thrive Recognition Scheme
- Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
- Life Assurance
- Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
- Pension Scheme
- Access to a wide range of career development
People Business Partner - Retail (South) in Knowsley employer: Matalan
Matalan is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for a People Business Partner in the retail sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, you will have access to a variety of career advancement opportunities while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous staff discount and wellbeing support. The dynamic environment across the Southern region allows you to make a tangible impact by partnering closely with operational leaders, ensuring that your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Business Partner - Retail (South) in Knowsley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in coaching, influencing, and driving performance. Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner - Retail (South) in Knowsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of People Business Partner. Highlight your experience in retail and any specific achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for people management and how your previous experiences align with our fast-paced retail environment.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since data-driven decision-making is key, mention any experience you have with using people data to influence outcomes. We love seeing how you've used insights to support commercial objectives in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s values and culture. Understand their approach to people management and how they drive performance in a retail environment. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your previous roles where you’ve successfully partnered with senior leaders. Highlight instances where you’ve used data to influence decisions or driven engagement initiatives. Concrete examples will make your experience stand out.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since this role involves regular travel, express your comfort and enthusiasm for being on the move. Share any past experiences that showcase your adaptability in fast-paced environments, especially in multi-site operations.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current people initiatives and share your thoughts on how you can contribute. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in the team and company culture.
