Senior People Manager JD Italy

The Senior People Manager acts as the primary People lead for JD Group in Italy, ensuring the seamless integration of global strategies within the local market.

This role focuses on adapting and implementing Group-wide People initiatives to fit the Italian retail and HQ landscape.

Reporting directly to the Retail Associate Director South Europe, the successful candidate will work in close partnership with UK/EU-based Centers of Excellence (COEs) to deliver a high-quality, proactive People service that ensures full compliance with local labor laws while driving business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership and Business Alignment
• Work closely with the JD Italy Country Manager to align People initiatives with retail performance, expansion, and commercial goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for UK/EU-based Line Managers with teams in Milan and Rome, ensuring consistent management and local legal compliance.
• Collaborate with the Group Reward COE and Group Finance to lead workforce planning and People budgeting, balancing local market competitiveness with global cost targets.
• Implement and report on the People strategy in Italy, ensuring consistency between UK Group guidelines and local operational needs through key People KPIs.
• Employee Relations and Compliance
• Manage local labor relations and complex disciplinary cases with a focus on minimizing legal risk while maintaining a positive, high-performance work environment.
• Ensure all personnel procedures are applied fairly and strictly, balancing Group standards with full compliance with the latest Italian labor laws.
• Guarantee a transparent and safe workplace by enforcing anti-discrimination measures and anti-corruption protocols.
• Act as the local expert in mitigating employment risks, providing proactive guidance to both local leadership and UK/EU-based managers to ensure seamless operations across all regions.
• Organizational Development and Change Leadership
• Accompany and guide leadership through structural changes and organizational transitions, ensuring a resilient and people‑centric approach.
• Partner with the Group Talent COE to identify high‑potential talent and oversee succession planning for the Italian market.
• People Experience, DEI, and CSR
• Lead the Global Engagement Survey process locally, moving beyond data collection to drive the creation and execution of tangible action plans that measurably improve the work climate.
• Own and deliver the Annual Culture Calendar as the core of the People Experience.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge needed

• Master’s degree in Law, Economics, or Humanities; a Master’s in Human Resources Management is preferred.
• At least 5 years of HR experience, with a solid track record leading HR areas or functions within Retail or other fast‑paced industries.
• A pragmatic approach with the ability to solve complex problems in rapidly changing environments.
• A business‑oriented mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to negotiate and work effectively with key figures at all levels of the company.

English

C1 level (essential for dual reporting and communicating with the Group).

• Willingness to travel regularly across the country and full driving licence.

What We Offer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an environment where everyone is valued and respected and can reach their full potential.

We celebrate the diversity of our teams and work to ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or personal experiences, can grow and make meaningful contributions.

We know how much commitment and dedication our team members invest in JD Sports’ success, and in return, we offer competitive pay and benefits:

• Performance‑based bonuses
• Employee discount on purchases in Group stores and online
• Opportunities for professional development and ongoing training
• #J-18808-Ljbffr