WHO WE ARE

Known as the 'Undisputed King of Trainers', JD Sports is one of the world's most recognised sports fashion retailers, connecting millions of customers with the biggest global brands in footwear, apparel and lifestyle.

Since launching in Greater Manchester in 1981, JD Group has grown into a global powerhouse with more than 3,400 stores worldwide. At the heart of everything we do is a passion for Sport, Music and Fashion, and a commitment to inspiring the next generation through culture, style and innovation.

Since arriving in Australia in 2017, we've expanded to more than 60 stores across Australia and New Zealand, with ambitious growth plans still ahead. We're building something special, and we're looking for exceptional people leaders who want to help shape what comes next.

Working at JD Sports is more than a job. It's a mindset. We move fast, think differently, challenge convention and back ourselves to lead from the front. If you're energised by growth, thrive in high-performance environments and want to make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting directly to the GM People & Culture, this is a rare opportunity for an experienced HR leader to shape the future of People Operations and Employee Relations at one of the fastest-growing retail businesses in the region.

As Head of HR, you'll lead our People Relations and People Operations functions across our Retail network, Distribution Centre and Support Office, partnering with senior leaders to build capability, strengthen performance and create exceptional employee experiences at scale.

Leading a team of four, you'll play a critical role in setting the standard for how HR partners with the business: commercially minded, solutions focused, data informed and relentlessly people centric.

This is a role for someone who thrives on building capability, influencing outcomes and driving continuous improvement. You'll elevate our people practices, strengthen organisational capability, optimise systems and lead a high-performing HR function that can keep pace with our ambitious growth journey.

If you're looking for the next step in your career where you can influence strategy, lead meaningful change and make a lasting impact, this is your opportunity.

WHAT YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Strategic HR Business Partnering

- Design, evolve and elevate a best-in-class HR Business Partnering model that supports JD's growth ambitions.




- Build trusted partnerships with senior leaders across Retail Operations, Distribution Centre and Support Office functions.
- Use workforce insights including turnover, absenteeism, engagement, productivity and ER trends to influence business decisions.
- Partner on organisational design, workforce planning, succession planning and talent initiatives that support future growth.

Employee Relations, Wellbeing & Workforce Capability

- Provide leadership and expert guidance on complex and high-risk employee relations matters.
- Build organisation-wide ER capability by coaching leaders and empowering teams to confidently manage people matters.
- Own and embed performance frameworks that create accountability, clarity and development opportunities.
- Lead wellbeing, mental health and WHS initiatives that positively impact our people and culture.

People Systems, Compliance & Operational Excellence

- Champion Dayforce HRIS, driving optimisation, automation and adoption across the organisation.
- Strengthen data integrity, reporting capability and scalable end-to-end people processes.
- Oversee award interpretation, governance and HR compliance frameworks with confidence.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency and enhance the employee experience.

Workforce Insights & Risk

- Deliver meaningful people reporting and workforce analytics that leaders can rely on.
- Translate insights into actionable strategies that improve engagement, retention and business performance.
- Proactively identify workforce risks and implement practical solutions that support sustainable growth.

Leadership & Culture

- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team across HR Operations and Employee Relations.
- Foster a culture built on accountability, collaboration, customer service and continuous improvement.
- Act as a visible senior leader who champions JD's values, culture and ways of working.





WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR You're an experienced HR leader who combines commercial acumen with strong people leadership and thrives in fast-paced environments.

You'll bring

- 6+ years' experience in a senior HR roles with proven success partnering with business leaders.
- Deep expertise managing complex Employee Relations matters and navigating workplace risk with confidence.
- Strong leadership capability with experience developing and coaching HR teams to deliver exceptional outcomes.
- A data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret trends, present insights and influence decision making.
- Proven experience leading HR operations, systems and processes within high-volume environments.
- Previous experience in retail, FMCG, hospitality or other multi-site industries where pace and agility are critical.
- Strong knowledge of performance management frameworks and capability-building initiatives.
- Understanding of Retail Award compliance or similar industrial instruments (highly advantageous).
- Experience partnering with multiple business functions and managing competing priorities.
- Exposure to Dayforce or similar enterprise HRIS platforms (highly regarded).

Most importantly, you're a proactive leader who enjoys rolling up your sleeves, solving problems, building capability and creating better outcomes for people and the business. WHY JD SPORTS?

At JD, you'll be joining a business that's growing, evolving and investing in its people.

- Join one of the fastest-growing global sports fashion retailers
- Birthday Leave and Paid Parental Leave perks
- Generous discounts across JD Sports and our partner brands
- Employee Assistance Program and Wellbeing initiatives
- Brand-new CBD offices in the heart of Sydney
- Monthly culture events, team celebrations and pre-payday lunches
- Join a business with improving employee engagement scores and a strong focus on building a high-performing, people-first culture

This is a career-defining opportunity to influence the future of a globally recognised brand while continuing to develop your own leadership journey. JD Sports celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued and empowered to succeed.

Ready to leave your mark?

Join the world's leading sports fashion retailer and help shape the next chapter of JD Sports ANZ.

Apply now.

Please note that by applying for this position, you consent to JD Sports conducting Work Rights checks where required.

📌 Head of HR (Sydney)
🏢 JD Sports
📍 Sydney