At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our Southern region in a fast-paced retail environment as a trusted people advisor.
- Company: Join Matalan, a dynamic retailer committed to inclusivity and team strength.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexibility for regional travel is essential; thrive in a fast-moving environment.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact while building strong relationships in a vibrant retail setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in a People Partner role and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Matalan: From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, 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. 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.
About the role: 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.
About You: 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.
Benefits: 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. Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business.
People Business Partner employer: Matalan
Matalan is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, Matalan offers extensive career development opportunities alongside competitive benefits such as a generous staff discount and wellbeing support. The role of People Business Partner provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic retail environment, working closely with senior leaders to drive engagement and performance across the Southern region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Matalan on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Matalan's culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their focus on inclusivity and teamwork. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven engagement and performance in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Matalan team. So, get that application in ASAP!
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the People Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in retail and any specific achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and engagement. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with Matalan's values. Remember, we love seeing candidates who are genuine and enthusiastic about joining us.
Showcase Your People Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your relationship-building and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can connect with leaders at all levels, so share examples of how you've successfully influenced and coached others in the past.
Apply Early!:With a high volume of applications expected, it’s best to apply as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute! Head over to our website and submit your application today to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Matalan's values and culture. Understand their commitment to inclusivity and how they champion equality. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience as a People Partner. Focus on situations where you've successfully influenced senior leaders or driven engagement initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced retail environment. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in multi-site operations. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure and adapt quickly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team's current people initiatives or how they measure success in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if Matalan is the right fit for you.
