People Business Partner

DeMellier Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading designer fashion brand in London is seeking a People Business Partner to provide HR support across the organization. The ideal candidate will have experience in the retail industry and knowledge of UK employment legislation. Responsibilities include managing employee relations, supporting performance reviews, and driving engagement initiatives. This role supports a hybrid working policy and offers competitive benefits.

Benefits

Hybrid-working policy (1–2 days in the office)

Annual Leave package increasing with tenure

Enhanced company maternity policy

Time for charity volunteering

Employee Discount: 50% off Stock

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an HR Manager or HR Business Partner in the retail industry.
• Solid knowledge of UK employment legislation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the employee lifecycle in line with company policies.
• Act as the first point of contact for managers on all HR matters.
• Coordinate internal communications and support employee engagement events.

Skills

CIPD Level 5 or above

HR best practice

UK employment legislation

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in HR software (HiBob)

Analytical mindset

Knowledge of Spanish

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification

Tools

HiBob

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

As a trusted People Business Partner, you will provide expert HR support and guidance across the business, partnering with management to deliver the people agenda and drive engagement, performance, and growth. This role combines advisory support with hands‑on delivery throughout the employee lifecycle, ensuring an exceptional experience that reflects DeMellier's values and culture. You will work closely with the Head of People to deliver excellent service across the organisation and contribute to key initiatives that strengthen the People function, build a high‑performing culture, and elevate the employee experience during this exciting period of growth. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and enjoys contributing to a variety of projects and initiatives spanning all areas of HR.

People Operations

• Oversee the employee lifecycle in line with company policies and procedures (off-boarding, family‑friendly, contract changes, etc.).
• Maintain accurate and compliant employee records, contracts, and documentation.
• Manage the people inbox, ensuring queries are resolved or escalated appropriately.
• Keep HR policies, templates, and processes updated, ensuring alignment and compliance.

Business Partnering & Support

• Act as the first point of contact for managers on all HR matters, providing legally compliant and commercially sound advice.
• Coach and develop leaders to build people management capability and foster a high‑performance culture.
• Provide expert advice and case management on employee relations issues, ensuring fairness, consistency, and timely resolution.
• Drive the annual performance review process and support effective feedback and goal‑setting.
• Support career development, succession planning, and leadership growth.

HRIS & Payroll

• Ensure HRIS (HiBob) and payroll data are accurate and up to date at all times.
• Support the timely collation and submission of payroll information, liaising with external consultants.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of HR systems and processes.
• Provide people analytics, insights, and reports to inform data‑driven decision‑making.

Culture & Projects

• Act as a role model for company values and serve as a trusted contact for employees, ensuring a positive and supportive employee experience.
• Coordinate internal communications and support with the organisation of quarterly employee gatherings and engagement events.
• Support engagement activities and feedback mechanisms to strengthen employee satisfaction and retention.
• Lead and support people‑related projects to drive continuous improvement of people systems and processes, including international payroll and H&S.
• Deliver the people agenda and provide insights to inform the overall people strategy.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or above, with a strong foundation in HR best practice and employment law.
• Proven experience as an HR Manager or HR Business Partner, as a standalone or in a small team, within the retail industry.
• Solid knowledge of UK employment legislation and ability to apply it in a practical, solutions‑focused way.
• Highly organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships at all levels.
• Knowledge of Spanish is a plus.
• Proficiency in HR software (HiBob) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analytical mindset with experience producing and interpreting people data and insights to drive strategic decisions.

DeMellier is a fast‑growing award‑winning designer fashion brand based in London. DeMellier has been awarded twice by the British Luxury Association WALPOLE, recognising its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and the highest standards of quality. Its handbags have become a favourite among women all over the world, including celebrities such as Beyonce, Irina Shayk, Emily Blunt, and January Jones and others.

Benefits

• Hybrid‑working policy (1–2 days in the office)
• Annual Leave package increasing the longer you stay with us
• Enhanced company maternity policy
• Time given yearly to volunteer for a charity of your choice
• Employee Discount: 50% off Stock and up to 90% off Seasonal Sample Sales