At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the go-to HR partner for our creative Product teams, driving engagement and performance.
- Company: Join NEXT, a leading FTSE-100 fashion retailer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and a generous staff discount.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping our unique culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HR experience, with strong UK employment law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced HR Business Partner for our Head Office HR team as we continue to grow. You’ll work with our Product departments (Fashion & Home at Head Office), including the creative teams of Buying, Merchandising, Design, and Garment/Fabric 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.
This isn’t a role for someone who wants to stay on the sidelines. It’s for a high-energy professional who loves to get stuck in and make things happen. You will be a vital part of the team, acting as a “go‑to” partner who balances big-picture goals with the day-to-day reality of our people, helping our managers lead with more confidence and consistency.
You’ll be deeply committed to the Product area, helping to shape how we work while keeping our systems and policies simple, compliant, and fit for a fast-moving company, working with creative individuals. Whether you’re offering a second opinion on a tricky situation or supporting in rolling out new initiatives, you’ll need to balance your professional expertise with a practical, hands‑on approach.
This is a full time role based onsite at the NEXT Head Office in Enderby, Leicestershire. You will also need to be able to travel to our offices in Market Harborough and London on a regular basis. 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.
What You’ll Take On
- Trusted Advisory: Acting as a lead partner to senior managers, providing the professional weight and guidance needed to drive performance and team engagement.
- Organisational Evolution: Partnering with leaders to ensure their team structures are agile, effective, and built to support our growing Product footprint.
- Culture & Engagement: Designing and leading initiatives that boost morale and strengthen our unique culture, using data and creative thinking to inspire real change.
- Talent & Retention: Taking ownership of development plans for key roles, ensuring we not only grow our creative talent but build long‑term loyalty that keeps them with us.
- AI‑Enabled HR: Leading the adoption of AI and HR tech to streamline workflows, using technology to enhance, not replace, the human connection at the heart of our work.
- Resilience & Healthy High Performance Culture: Promoting a proactive culture of wellbeing and helping our Managers foster a culture of trust and open communication where people feel confident to have a point of view, bring ideas, and take ownership.
- Empowering Leadership: Designing and delivering workshops that give our managers the tools to lead with confidence.
- Insight‑Led Decisions: Leveraging tools like Oracle and Thrive to spot trends and find new ways to improve the overall employee journey.
- Complex Case Management: Supporting managers through intricate employee relations matters, providing calm, expert advice and practical solutions that protect the business and our people.
What You’ll Bring
- You are a seasoned HR professional, ideally CIPD Level 7 qualified or with a solid background working in busy Head Offices or creative environments.
- You have a strong grasp of UK employment law and the confidence to handle sensitive or complex cases fairly and sensibly.
- You are a natural at forming trusted, influential bonds with people at every level and are genuinely easy to get on with.
- You enjoy helping others grow, offering constructive feedback and practical support to help our leaders become the best they can be.
- You are comfortable using HR technology and AI‑driven tools to keep things running smoothly, using data to find ways to improve the employee experience.
- You thrive in fast‑paced settings and understand the business side of things, not just the HR side.
- You don’t just fix the symptoms; you look for the root cause and come up with creative, innovative solutions.
- You show real initiative and are happy to take the lead, go the extra mile, and embrace challenges with a positive, “can‑do” attitude.
- You are a confident presenter who can facilitate meetings and deliver ideas in an engaging, down‑to‑earth way.
- You have a natural affinity for the style world, which helps you connect authentically with our creative direction.
- You are a dedicated team player who thrives in a close‑knit HR team and the wider business.
About Us
You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE‑100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland? We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy online from over 70 countries around the world!
About The Team
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Profit‑related bonus – based on company performance
- Private health insurance – surgery choices
- Sharesave scheme – make savings from your net pay to buy NEXT shares at a discount
- Pension – fixed contribution rates from both an employer and employee perspective, but you’re also able to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) if you wish to save more.
- 25% staff discount on most NEXT products – plus discount on other products
- Wagestream – helping you make the most out of your money
- Salary finance – offers access to affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education.
- Life assurance
- Direct to work – NEXT orders delivered free to the office for collection
- VIP sale – early access to the NEXT sale
- Access to NEXT staff shops
- Octopus energy – like cycle‑to‑work, but for electric vehicles
- Free parking (excluding London locations)
- Travel2NEXT – bus services dependent on location
- On site dining facilities (excluding London locations)
- National and local discounts on goods and services – this includes things like discounted cinema tickets
- Wellhub – includes access to discounted gym membership
- Simply health – a healthcare subscription service
- Aviva Digicare Workplace+ healthcare service – 7 Free services including Digital GP appointments and an annual health check.
- Onsite GP – Leicester Head Office
- Onsite Physio – Leicester Head Office
- A range of dedicated 3rd party wellbeing partners
- Free eye testing – voucher to use at specific locations
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long‑term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include “Workplace Adjustments” in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
HR Business Partner - Product in Leicester employer: Next
At NEXT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within our Product departments. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including private health insurance, a profit-related bonus, and a generous staff discount, all while promoting a proactive culture of wellbeing and engagement. Located in Enderby, Leicestershire, our Head Office is not just a workplace; it's a dynamic environment where your contributions truly make an impact in shaping the future of fashion retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner - Product in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, dive into Next's values and vibe. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role and be ready to share specific examples. Practice makes perfect, so run through potential scenarios with a mate.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner - Product in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about joining our team and contributing to our creative environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR, especially in fast-paced or creative settings, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that align with what we’re looking for.
Be Authentic:We love a bit of personality! Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice come through in your application. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to our culture and engage with our teams.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's product lines, especially in Fashion & Home. Familiarise yourself with their latest collections and understand the creative processes behind them. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect with the team during discussions.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Be ready to discuss your HR experience, particularly in fast-paced environments. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex employee relations issues or implemented initiatives that boosted team engagement. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges of the role.
✨Emphasise Your Proactive Approach
Highlight instances where you've taken the initiative to solve problems or improve processes. The company is looking for someone who doesn't wait for direction, so share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
✨Engage with Their Culture
Research the company's culture and values, and think about how you can contribute to it. Be prepared to discuss how you would design initiatives to boost morale and strengthen team dynamics. Showing that you align with their culture will set you apart as a candidate.
