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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool
✨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 your interview. 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! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner - Retail (South) in Liverpool
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 we value data-driven decision-making, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with using people data to influence outcomes. This will show us you understand the commercial side of HR.
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 keep track of it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Business Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the company thoroughly. Understand their values, culture, and recent developments in the retail sector. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations from your past experience where you've successfully partnered with senior leaders or driven people initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your ability to influence and coach effectively.
✨Showcase Your Data Savvy
Since the role involves using data to support decision-making, be ready to discuss how you've used people data in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've analysed data to drive engagement or performance improvements, as this will highlight your commercially focused mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Ask about the company's approach to succession planning or how they measure the success of their people initiatives. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
