Job Description
HR Business Partner
Let’s Take it On
Product HR Team
£45,000 - £55,000 (depending on experience)
Enberby, Head Office
Next is the biggest fashion and lifestyle retailer within the UK & Europe’s largest online clothing retailer. There are over 500 stores in the UK, representing 8.3 million square feet of retail space. We have around 45,000 employees. We have 8 million customers on the website selling in 72 countries selecting from 280 million products which are sold by us each year. Our brand is highly trusted. Everything we do represents genuine value for money.
We’re searching for an experienced and passionate HR Business Partner to work with our Product departments, including the creative teams of Buying, Merchandising, Design, and Technology. This is your chance to truly make an impact and be part of an exciting journey, helping shape the growth and success of our vibrant, innovative teams.
Your role
As a partner to our Product departments, including Brands & Licensing, Franchise, Joules, and our Sourcing division, you’ll collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to craft tailored HR support that meets the unique needs of each area. This is not just an HR role – it’s an opportunity to be a catalyst for success, creativity, and innovation in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior managers, delivering expert HR support that drives performance and engagement.
- Shaping the future by designing and implementing employee engagement initiatives, using data and creativity to inspire change.
- Using data and insights to influence decisions and enhance the employee experience. Examples include: Survey tools, Oracle, Clear Review and Thrive.
- Taking ownership of performance and development plans for key roles, ensuring our creative talent thrives.
- Supporting the HR team and managers with complex employee relations matters, offering strategic and practical solutions.
- Driving succession planning and employee development, ensuring our teams have the skills and opportunities to flourish.
- Delivering workshops and resources to empower managers with exceptional people skills. Examples include: Mental Health First Aid Awareness, Performance Management.
This is not just a desk job. Based from our Leicester office, but will cover work across our Head Office sites in London (minimum 3 times a month) and Market Harborough (minimum 2 times a month). Spending time with our teams and experiencing the heartbeat of our creative work. Flexibility and travel are key as you partner with colleagues across locations.
You’ll work closely with the Product HR Manager, leveraging their expertise while bringing your unique perspective to the team.
About you
We’re looking for someone with the passion, skills, and drive to make a real difference who stays informed about the latest developments in the fashion industry, understands how consumer preferences evolve, and has a keen eye for identifying emerging trends. Engagement with the world of fashion should translate into an appreciation for product design, branding, and the broader style landscape, ensuring an authentic connection to our creative direction:
- Proven ability to build trusted partnerships with internal customers at all levels.
- A coaching mindset, offering constructive feedback to help senior leaders grow.
- Collaboration at your core, working as part of a close-knit HR team and wider business.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a focus on root cause analysis and innovative solutions.
- A curious, data-driven approach, always looking to improve the employee journey.
- An adaptable, commercial mindset, ready to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
- The ability to present confidently to diverse audiences, demonstrating strong facilitation skills and delivering engaging, impactful presentations.
- A genuine passion for creative industries and a deep understanding of what makes them tick.
- An interest in all things shopping is a plus, particularly if it reflects a genuine enthusiasm for fashion products, style, and current trends.
- Confidence to take initiative, think outside the box, and embrace challenges.
Your team
The team is highly supportive, welcoming, and committed to creating a positive and collaborative work environment.
Your benefits
We’ll discuss more of what you’ll get when you work for Next at interview, but here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Profit-related bonus
- 25 days holiday and the opportunity to buy more
- Contributions into a pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Sharesave scheme, which allows you to invest in Next and claim your share of our success
- A fantastic restaurant, coffee shops and juice bar
- On-site nursery (salary sacrifice scheme) in Leicester
- Staff shop
- Free parking on-site, including car sharing
- Free company bus service to and from Leicester city centre and other areas
- 25% staff discount on most Next products – either in our stores or delivered directly to your desk
- National and local discounts on goods and services
Job Info
- Job Identification 68786
- Job Category Human Resources
- Posting Date 01/06/2025, 12:02 PM
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner - Head Office in Leicester
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Next!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Next.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Next. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Next and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Next. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Next's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Next.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Next will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Next and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
