Head of Business Partnering

H&M; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global retail company seeks a Head of HR Business Partnering to lead a dynamic team in London. The role focuses on aligning people strategies with business goals while providing strategic guidance to senior leadership. Ideal candidates have proven HR leadership experience in complex organizations and a deep understanding of best practices. This position offers flexibility in working remotely but requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, with benefits including 25 days of holiday and health initiatives.

Benefits

25% staff discount

Annual health checks

Pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Private health & dental care

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading HR teams across multiple disciplines.
• Strong background in matrixed, global organizations; US and APAC experience is a plus.
• Expertise in organizational design and change management transformations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global HR Business Partner strategy.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with HR Operations to ensure consistent practices globally.

Skills

HR team leadership

Organizational design

Workforce planning

Talent strategies

Data-driven insights

Job description

Overview

At COS, we believe in shaping a future where people and business grow together. As Head of HR Business Partnering, you will lead a global team that drives alignment between our people strategies and business goals. This is a strategic leadership role with a direct impact on COS’s organizational effectiveness and culture.

You will report directly to the People Director and lead a team of senior HR Business Partners responsible for our Head Office in London as well as our Regional and Production teams in North America, APAC and Europe. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across the Global HR Team—including Talent and Leadership Development, HR Operations, and Total Rewards—to drive and implement strategic HR initiatives. The primary focus of this role is to deliver a world-class employee experience by ensuring that every stage of the employee lifecycle supports our teams and businesses globally.

What you will do:

• Develop and execute a global HR Business Partner strategy that drives key HR initiatives and aligns with the organization’s overall business objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing expertise on organizational design, workforce planning, and talent strategies.
• Collaborate with the Head of HR Operations to ensure consistent HR practices and policies are applied globally while accommodating local regulations.
• Oversee succession planning and leadership development programs in partnership with the Head of Talent & Leadership Development.
• Review results from our annual employee survey and drive actions based on the responses.
• Lead annual performance review and compensation processes in collaboration with the Total Rewards team.
• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Drive organizational change initiatives, including restructuring and cultural transformation efforts.
• Develop, mentor, and coach the HR Business Partner team to deliver high-impact, consistent people solutions across all regions.
• Champion talent, culture, and engagement, leveraging data-driven insights to continuously enhance HR practices and employee experience.

Qualifications

Alignment to our company values is the most important characteristic we look for in all new joiners. Our values are the behaviours that we appreciate above and beyond anything else. We are open-minded and curious, we dare to be different, we believe in constant improvement and we empower and trust you to take ownership. Our values are part of who we are, what we stand for and how we act.

What you need to succeed

• Proven experience leading HR teams across multiple disciplines (i.e., Talent Acquisition, L&D, Compensation & Benefits).
• Strong background in matrixed, high-growth, global organizations; experience in US and APAC markets is a plus.
• Expertise in leading organizational design and change management transformations, with a track record of implementing new structures.
• Solid understanding of HR best practices, including employee relations, performance management, and engagement.
• Ability to analyze business needs, manage financial resources, and leverage market insights to inform decisions.

Additional Information

This is a full-time permanent contract based at our Head Office in London, UK.

Benefits

We offer all our employees attractive benefits with extensive development opportunities around the globe. All our employees receive a 25% staff discount usable on all our H&M Group brands in stores and online. In addition to our staff discount, all our employees are included in our H&M Incentive Program – HIP. You can read more about our H&M Incentive Program here.

In addition to this, UK-based colleagues also receive:

• Up to 25 days holiday
• Annual health checks
• Pension scheme
• Discounts on various activities and financial/lifestyle products via our benefits hub
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee assistance via retail trust
• Private health & dental care

Inclusion & Diversity

At COS we are determined to create and maintain inclusive, diverse and equitable workplaces throughout our organisation. Our teams should consist of a variety of people who share and combine their knowledge, experience and ideas. Having a diverse workforce leads to a positive impact on how we address challenges and how we relate to colleagues and customers all over the world; therefore all diversity dimensions are taken into consideration in our recruitment process.

Brand Description

COS offers a wardrobe of ready-to-wear and accessories rooted in exceptional quality and lasting design. The brand has an elevated aesthetic that embodies luxury with an emphasis on craftsmanship, innovation and compelling fashion movements.

In this role you will have some flexibility to work remotely; however due to the high level of cross-department collaboration, four days per week office presence is required to foster strong collaboration and teamwork.

Ready to apply? Click on the I’M INTERESTED link where you can upload your CV securely. Once we have received your application, we will keep you updated regularly about the status of your application; please look out for our email.

Closing Date: 4/2. Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!