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

Reporting to the GM People & Culture, the Head of HR will own and lead our People Relations and People Operations capability, supporting our Retail, Distribution Centre and Support Office functions.

You’ll set the standard for how they partner with the business — proactively, commercially, and with confidence — while also driving operational excellence, system optimisation and compliance maturity.

Strategic HR Business Partnering

• Design, lead and mature a best‑in‑class HRBP model aligned to JD Sports’ pace and growth.

• Partner closely with senior leaders across Retail Operations, DC and Support Office.

• Use sharp people insights (turnover, absenteeism, ER trends, productivity, headcount) to influence performance and decision‑making.

• Support org design, workforce planning, succession and talent strategies.

• Make sure HR is embedded in every critical commercial conversation.

People Relations, ER & Wellbeing

• Provide senior oversight and escalation support for complex ER matters.

• Build ER capability across HR and Operations — consistency, fairness and confidence matter.

• Own performance management frameworks and ensure leaders use them.

• Ensure policies, processes and practices are up‑to‑date, compliant and practical.

• Lead wellbeing, WHS and mental health initiatives that genuinely support our team members.

People Systems, Dayforce & Compliance

• Maximise the value of our Dayforce investment — adoption, optimisation and automation.

• Drive cleaner data, better reporting and scalable HR processes.

• Oversee award interpretation, payroll‑adjacent compliance and governance.

• Partner with Global IT on upgrades, releases and integrations.

• Reduce manual work and lift the team member experience end‑to‑end.

Workforce Insights & Risk

• Build clear, regular people reporting for leaders that are meaningful.

• Translate insights into actions that improve productivity, engagement and retention.

• Identify people and compliance risks early and work with leaders to get ahead of them.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach and develop a multi‑disciplinary HR team across ER and HR Operations.

• Build a customer‑first, high‑performance team culture.

• Set clear expectations, develop capability and role model JD’s values every day.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR?

• 10+ years’ experience in a senior HR or Head of HR role.

• Strong background in retail, FMCG, hospitality or another fast‑paced, multi‑site environment is desirable.

• Deep expertise in ER and performance frameworks

• Knowledge of Retail Award compliance is advantageous.

• Proven experience leading HR Business Partners and HR Operations teams.

• Confidence using people data and insights to influence leaders.

• Experience with Dayforce (or similar enterprise systems) highly regarded.

• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and leadership capability.

• A practical, commercial mindset — you get how a business really works.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Monthly culture committee events

• Central CBD location

• Pre-pay day lunches

• Birthday leave

• Competitive Salary

• One month paid parental leave

• Referral bonus scheme

• Training and development to evolve and shape your career

• Opportunity to progress across all areas of the business including Retail, Support Office and our Distribution Centre

• Treat yourself with our attractive staff discount! This can also be used for friends and family

• Access to our Employee Assistance Program

• 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.