Senior People Partner

We are seeking a talented People Partner/HR Manager to join our team as a Senior People Partner.

This role requires a data-driven, commercially minded, and experienced Partner to lead our People Team. As Store Partnerships Manager, you will drive the People strategy through effective relationships across our stores nationwide. Working closely with the Head of People and managing a team of People Partners and Advisors, you will support store colleagues in making data-led and commercial people decisions, always aligned with our values. The role involves regular travel across our stores nationwide.

About this role

1. Partner with Regional Managers across the UK to develop and implement a People strategy that enhances performance within their regions, including talent management processes and data insights review with actionable outcomes.
2. Manage a team of People Partners and Advisors to coach and support store management in executing their business plans concerning people.
3. Conduct regular People Store Visits nationwide to support store teams, followed by reporting and insights.
4. Provide comprehensive advice and guidance on all people-related matters throughout the employee lifecycle, manage employee relations cases in line with policies and law, and coach managers accordingly. Serve as an escalation point for complex ER cases.
5. Coach and guide your team in decision-making, career development, and personal growth.
6. Collaborate with Pay & Reward and Talent Development Managers to align functions with the overall People strategy.
7. Regularly review company and regional dashboards to inform decision-making.
8. Ensure governance controls are followed, including onboarding, checks, and legal responsibilities.
9. Represent the Head of People in store-related matters when required.
10. Monitor engagement levels via exit interview feedback, surveys, and store visit feedback; communicate insights and identify improvement areas.
11. Assist stores in managing their payroll budgets and making people decisions that support cost control and strategic alignment.
12. Lead change management initiatives affecting stores, such as openings, restructures, closures, and TUPE processes.
13. Work with the wider People team to review policies and procedures regularly for compliance and industry relevance.
14. Promote wellbeing initiatives and raise awareness of support resources.
15. Maintain high standards of service for in-store colleagues, addressing their queries and concerns.
16. Engage in project work across the employee lifecycle.

About you

1. Experienced HR professional (preferably at People Partner/HR Manager level) with strong knowledge of HR best practices and trends.
2. Skilled in influencing at all organizational levels, including senior leadership, on strategic and operational issues.
3. Experience managing HR systems, reporting, and analytics to support effective decision-making.
4. Genuine passion for delivering excellent customer and employee experiences, thriving in fast-paced environments, and being people-focused.
5. Supportive, positive, self-aware, open to feedback, and growth-oriented.
6. Adaptable to change, capable of meeting deadlines, and motivating teams.
7. Confident, honest about mistakes, and capable of inspiring others to learn and improve.

What we offer

• 33 days annual leave
• Generous store discounts across our retail and restaurant outlets
• Hybrid work model combining office and home working
• Enhanced Group Pension Plan
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Access to Wagestream for financial wellbeing
• Support via Retail Trust, including counselling and rewards
• Development opportunities through Dobbies Academy and funded courses
• Free tea, coffee, and milk
• Collaborative office space with wellbeing amenities
• Invitations to company events and social gatherings
• Additional benefits like life assurance, eye care, cycle to work, and pet-friendly office environment