WHO WE ARE 

Known best as the 'Undisputed King of Trainers', JD Sports reigns supreme as one of the biggest and best global Sports Fashion brands across footwear and apparel. 

Founded in 1981 in Greater Manchester UK, JD Group has achieved remarkable growth through rapid global expansion, now standing as the leading global sports fashion retailer. With over 3,400 stores worldwide, we strive to inspire the emerging generation through a captivating connection to the universal culture of Sport, Music, and Fashion.   

In 2017, JD Sports first launched within the Australian market and has since expanded to 60+ stores across all Australian states and New Zealand, with plans for continued future growth. Our mission is to offer unparalleled service and style to all our customers.   

Working at JD Sports is a state of mind, an attitude and way of challenging the norm. We do not conform; we create our own path and are elite within our field. And now, we’re seeking talented and passionate individuals to join our team.

THE ROLE

The Senior People Partner NZ plays a critical role in delivering end-to-end HR support, coaching, and operational guidance across JD Sports’ New Zealand operations. Partnering closely with the GM People & Culture, business leaders, and the retail network, you’ll take a hands-on approach to supporting the People function while ensuring seamless HR operations across retail teams and corporate functions.

In this role, you’ll oversee all aspects of retail recruitment, including major talent initiatives such as new store openings and peak-trade hiring. You’ll also act as the first point of contact for employee relations and performance matters, supporting managers to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant outcomes. Success in this role requires a proactive, people-focused HR professional who can confidently guide stakeholders, influence leaders, and remain solutions-focused in a fast-paced retail environment.

Reporting into the GM People & Culture, this role is responsible for, but not limited to:

People – General  

• Partner with relevant stakeholders to provide proactive support and coaching to managers on maximising team performance.  

• Conduct regular store visits to provide coaching, training, and on-the-ground support.  

• Facilitate induction and learning programs for the NZ market, ensuring store teams receive consistent and effective training. 

• Monitor and respond to People Advice inbox queries within 24 hours.  

• Ensure compliance with company standards, policies, and procedures and carry out duties in accordance with employment terms.  

• Lead the development and maintenance of JD Sports ANZ People compliance frameworks across payroll, onboarding, data privacy, and right-to-work checks.  

• Oversee and manage HR systems (specifically, Dayforce) to ensure optimal functionality, accuracy, and compliance for NZ market.  

Recruitment  

• Manage the vacancy approval process in line with company process. 

• Advertise roles, screen applications, conduct phone screens and prepare high-quality shortlists. 

• Coordinate interviews and attend or facilitate interviews where required. 

• Lead recruitment for new store openings and peak-trade periods, ensuring talent pipelines are secured in advance. 

• Train retail leaders on recruitment best practice and provide ongoing support for the ATS.  

• Build and maintain talent pools to reduce time-to-hire and recruitment costs. 

• Proactively source candidates through Team Tailor, LinkedIn, social platforms and direct market research. 

• Develop creative sourcing strategies to attract high-quality talent and minimise agency use. 

• Work closely with the Head of Talent in executing any Talent related initiatives based in NZ.  

Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Partnership  

• Partner with key stakeholders to drive a culture of high performance, continuously building manager capability to enhance team performance.  

• Manage performance issues and disciplinaries with Retail Management team in line with policy and legislation, minimising risk to the business. 

• Provide expert and timely advice on employee relations (ER) matters including performance management, disciplinary issues, grievances, and investigations.  

• Lead and manage ER cases end-to-end, including conducting investigations, facilitating formal meetings, preparing documentation, and providing findings and recommendations.  

• Provide expert interpretation and application of relevant legislation, modern awards, and company policies.  

• Contribute to policy development and review, with a focus on establishing NZ-specific policies and updating existing frameworks. 

• Drive the performance review process for all regions, tracking, reporting, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.  

• Develop and deliver regular training sessions on key ER topics identified through trends, compliance gaps, and business needs.  

• Monitor legislative and award changes, communicating and implementing updates to minimise risk and ensure compliance.  

Remuneration & Benefits  

• Support fairness testing for retail team members and ensure salary/Award documentation is accurate and communicated to stakeholders. 

• Assist with retail bonus schemes, including preparation of schedules and communication materials.  

• Continuously identify opportunities to enhance employee benefits packages and provide recommendations.  

• Develop and implement communication strategies for benefits.  

People Health & Wellbeing   

• Champion mental health and wellbeing initiatives, designing and implementing programs and managing EAP relationships.  

• Ensure compliance with WHS policies and legislative requirements, always exercising duty of care.  

• Identify hazards and risks in the workplace, implementing or escalating corrective actions as appropriate.  

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR?

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a People/HR generalist or business partner role in retail or medium-to-large organisations within like industries.  

• Proven experience in high volume recruitment, including managing high-volume or peak-trade hiring and new store openings (preferred, but not essential).  

• Strong track record in employee relations, including managing grievances, performance management, disciplinary processes, and investigations. 

• Demonstrated ability to advise and coach managers and employees across a variety of People matters. 

• Experience delivering training programs, both face-to-face and online. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders at all levels. 

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Birthday Leave - Celebrate your big day with paid time of for your special day!  

• Competitive Pay – JD Sports salaries are aligned to market and are reviewed annually to ensure we are staying ahead of the game. 

• Staff Discount 35% Off - Enjoy a generous discount across our brands which can be used for you, friends, and family. 

• Tailored Learning Journeys - Access development pathways and LMS modules designed to build your professional, leadership and cross-functional skills. 

• Career Progression Pathways - Grow across stores, Support Office, or our Distribution Centre with clear development opportunities. 

• Annual Engagement Survey - Your voice helps shape our culture. Through our global survey, we listen, act, and continuously improve and we’re proud to be up 5% on last year’s results! 

• Wellness Initiatives - Regular activities and campaigns to support your mental wellbeing. 

• Monthly Safety Connects - Dedicated time to check in on your psychosocial safety and store environment. 

• New HRIS System - A seamless, mobile-friendly experience for leave, pay and training. 

• Employee Assistance Program + Health App - 24/7 confidential support for you and your family.

• REST Superannuation - Support for your long-term financial wellbeing. 

• Referral Bonus Program - Bring great people into the team and earn rewards. 

• Work from Home – Enjoy the flexibility of working from home one day per week. 

• Parental Leave – One month paid parental leave for the primary caregiver. 

• Culture Committee – Monthly events that bring our team together to celebrate milestones, special occasions, and strengthen connection. 

We are passionate about connecting with driven and skilled individuals who are invested in their development, so that together we can evolve our brand's success, alongside evolving your career.  

JD values diversity and inclusion and champions a culture where everyone feels, valued, included, and celebrated.  

What are you waiting for? Apply today and kick start your JD Sports Journey.

Please note, by applying for this role, you consent to us completing a Work Rights check to verify your working rights where required.