People Operations & Systems Manager

JD Sports Fashion Australia Pty; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports fashion retailer in Manchester is seeking a People Operations & Systems Manager to optimize HR systems, particularly Dayforce. The role involves ensuring compliance across all processes from onboarding to payroll while managing a small team. Candidates should have advanced HRIS knowledge, at least 5 years of HR Operations experience, and leadership skills. The position offers competitive salary and career development opportunities within a dynamic company culture.

Benefits

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

Attractive staff discount

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in HR Operations, Systems, or Compliance roles.
• Strong understanding of Australian employment legislation and data governance principles.
• Demonstrated experience leading system upgrades and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimise all HR systems with a focus on Dayforce.
• Develop and maintain compliance frameworks for payroll and onboarding.
• Lead data management and reconciliation across HRIS and payroll platforms.

Skills

HRIS systems knowledge (Dayforce)

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, or Technology

Job description

Overview

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 states and New Zealand with plans for continued future growth. Our mission is to offer unparalleled service and style to all our consumers.

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

We’re on the hunt for a People Operations & Systems Manager to lead the operational systems and compliance functions within the JD Sports ANZ People & Culture team with a specific focus on Dayforce.

This role is ideal for someone is a Dayforce guru, who lives and breathes HR technology, data integrity, and compliance excellence.

You’ll be the key driver behind the optimisation of our people systems (especially Dayforce), ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across every process — from onboarding and payroll to governance and reporting. As both a system expert and people leader, you’ll manage the People Operations & System Specialist and People Operations Advisor, empowering them to deliver seamless, compliant, and data-driven outcomes across the employee lifecycle.

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

• Oversee and optimise all HR systems (with a focus on Dayforce automation opportunities), leading configuration, testing, and deployment of bi-annual upgrades.
• Partner with global IT and Managed Services to align on security, data, and system governance standards.
• Develop and maintain compliance frameworks covering payroll, onboarding, data privacy, and right-to-work checks.
• Monitor legislative updates across Fair Work, GRIA, SSWA, and GDPR, ensuring all policies and templates remain compliant.
• Conduct regular internal audits, pay parity reviews, and fairness testing to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Lead data management, mapping, and reconciliation across HRIS, payroll, and finance platforms to maintain integrity.
• Build and deliver compliance and workforce reports, providing insights and analytics to senior stakeholders.
• Coach and develop your team to deliver operational excellence, building a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive automation and process optimisation initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce manual administration.
• Lead and support transformation projects, from new store openings to system integrations and compliance enhancements.

Who You Are

Essential:

• Advanced knowledge of HRIS systems (Dayforce experience required)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in HR Operations, Systems, or Compliance roles
• Proven leadership experience managing small teams within a HR or People Operations function
• Strong understanding of Australian employment legislation, GDPR, and data governance principles
• Demonstrated experience leading system upgrades, audits, and compliance frameworks
• Skilled in data analysis, reporting, and problem solving
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Proven ability to implement process improvements and change initiatives

Desirable:

• Experience in retail, fashion, or multi-site environments
• Experience with integrations and API-based system enhancements
• Exposure to payroll and finance data structures and reconciliation processes
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, or Technology

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 & Mental Health champions

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.