Retail Talent Manager ANZ People (HR) · JD Sports Head Office

JD Sports Fashion Australia Pty; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global sports fashion retailer is seeking a Retail Talent Manager ANZ to oversee recruitment operations across Australia and New Zealand. You will lead a team to manage end-to-end recruitment for Store Managers and Area Managers while driving employer branding initiatives. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years' recruitment experience, with strong stakeholder management and data analysis skills. This role offers competitive benefits and opportunities for career progression within the organization.

Benefits

Monthly culture committee events

Central CBD location

Competitive Salary

One month paid parental leave

Training and development

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ recruitment experience including in-house and agency.
• At least 3 years’ experience in retail recruitment or high-volume environments.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of People Talent Consultants for high-quality recruitment.
• Manage end-to-end recruitment process for key retail roles.
• Drive JD Sports’ ANZ employer brand through engaging content and campaigns.

Skills

Recruitment experience

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Canva

Job description

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 Retail Talent Manager ANZ plays a pivotal role in attracting, engaging, and developing top talent across JD Sports’ Australia & New Zealand retail network. Partnering closely with the Head of Talent, business leaders, and the retail network, you’ll take a hands‑on approach to managing end‑to‑end recruitment operations for our 74 stores, leading a small team of People Talent Consultants, and ensuring a seamless, positive experience for candidates and hiring managers.

In this role, you’ll oversee end‑to‑end recruitment for Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers, and Area Managers, manage the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), analyse recruitment metrics, and provide recruitment training and guidance to the retail network. You’ll also drive key projects including peak trade recruitment, new store openings, talent pooling initiatives and employer branding initiatives.

Success in this role requires a people‑focused and data‑driven leader who can build strong relationships across the business, influence stakeholders, and remain solutions‑focused in a fast‑paced retail environment.

Reporting into the Head of Talent ANZ, this role is responsible for, but not limited to:

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a small team of People Talent Consultants to deliver a high‑quality, efficient recruitment service.
• Work with retail leadership to prioritise recruitment activity, define deadlines, and monitor progress.
• Partner with the Head of Talent on key projects, process improvements, and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure the recruitment team meets agreed KPIs, metrics, and deadlines across all retail roles.

Recruitment Operations

• Manage the end‑to‑end recruitment process for key retail roles, including briefing, shortlisting, screening, interviews, checks, and offers.
• Oversee the ATS to ensure processes are followed and the system is up‑to‑date.
• Analyse recruitment data and metrics to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Build and maintain talent pools to reduce time‑to‑hire and support succession planning.
• Provide creative solutions for difficult to fill positions/locations as we continue to expand our retail fleet.
• Partner with People Development to train retail managers on recruitment best practice and ATS use.

Strategic Recruitment Projects

• Continuously identify and implement creative and strategic improvements to recruitment and talent processes, enhancing JD Sports’ effectiveness and positioning the business as an employer of choice.
• Lead recruitment for new store openings, ensuring deadlines are defined, communicated, and met.
• Manage peak trade recruitment, coordinating timelines, training, and troubleshooting any issues.
• Act as the subject matter expert in retail recruitment, providing insights on market trends and candidate engagement strategies.

Employer Branding & Candidate Experience

• Drive JD Sports’ ANZ employer brand through creative, engaging LinkedIn content and campaigns.
• Ensure all candidates receive a positive, professional experience from application through onboarding.
• Manage internal and external stakeholder communications throughout the recruitment lifecycle.

Onboarding

• Partner with People Operations to ensure smooth, timely onboarding of retail hires.
• Monitor the onboarding journey in collaboration with Area and State Managers.
• Oversee the retail induction process for retail Management positions with People Development to ensure a consistent and high‑quality experience.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Minimum 5 years’ recruitment experience, including in‑house and agency.
• At least 3 years’ experience in retail recruitment or a similar high‑volume, customer‑focused environment.
• Proven experience managing volume recruitment drives, including peak periods and new store openings.
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret metrics and make recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Canva.
• Experience leading and developing a small team.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.

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.