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 take ownership of our People Relations and People Operations functions — powering performance across our Retail network, Distribution Centre and Support Office.

This is a role for a driven, high‑impact HR leader who’s ready for more. With four direct reports, you’ll set the rhythm for how HR partners with the business: proactive, commercial, confident and always shaping outcomes.

You’ll lead operational excellence, elevate our systems, sharpen compliance, and build a trusted ER function that lifts capability across the whole organisation.

If you’re driven, solutions‑focused and excited by the chance to stretch, grow and lead change, this is your step up. This role is an opportunity to build a high‑impact HR model that moves at the speed of our business.

Strategic HR Business Partnering

• Design, grow and elevate a best‑in‑class HRBP model tailored to JD’s pace, ambition and growth.

• Build trusted partnerships with senior leaders across Retail Operations, Distribution Centre and Support Office.

• Use powerful people insights (turnover, absenteeism, ER trends, productivity, headcount) to influence decisions and drive performance.

• Support org design, workforce planning, succession and talent initiatives that future‑proof the business.

People Relations, ER & Wellbeing

• Provide senior oversight and confident escalation support for complex and high‑risk ER matters.

• Build ER capability across the business — ensuring consistency, fairness and confidence at every level.

• Own and embed performance frameworks that enable accountability and clarity.

• Lead wellbeing, WHS and mental health initiatives that make a tangible impact for our people.

People Systems, Dayforce & Compliance

• Champion Dayforce HRIS — driving adoption, optimisation and automation to unlock real value.

• Lift data accuracy, reporting capability and build scalable end‑to‑end HR processes.

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

Workforce Insights & Risk

• Build clear, consistent and meaningful people reporting that leaders rely on.

• Turn insights into action — driving improvements in productivity, engagement and retention.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach and develop a capable, multidisciplinary HR team across ER and HR Operations.

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

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR?

• 7+ years’ plus experience in a senior HR role with a strong track record operating as a trusted people leader.

• Exceptional Employee Relations expertise — you are confident managing complex cases end‑to‑end, navigating risk, advising leaders, and driving fair, consistent outcomes, coaching the team on learnings for development.

• Data‑savvy and insights‑driven, able to prepare people reporting, interpret trends, and use insights to influence leaders and shape decisions.

• Operational leadership excellence, with proven experience running HR processes, systems and workflows from start to finish in a high‑volume environment.

• Background in fast-paced, multi‑site environments where agility and pragmatic decision‑making are essential, ideally exposure to Retail, FMCG, Hospitality industries.

• Deep knowledge of performance frameworks, including designing, implementing and coaching leaders on processes that lift capability and drive accountability.

• Understanding of Retail Award compliance or similar industrial instruments (advantageous).

• Experienced in leading and developing HR Business Partners and HR Operations teams, fostering capability, performance and service excellence.

• Comfortable working with Dayforce or similar enterprise HRIS (highly regarded).

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.