Senior People Business Partner

Senior People Business Partner
Circa £55,000 plus great benefits (Work Level 5)
Manchester city centre (hybrid – you’ll split your time between home, the office, and visiting stores in your area about once a month)

Please note: In line with our internal mobility policy, we’d like to make you aware that a preferred candidate has been identified for this opportunity

We’re looking for a Senior People Business Partner to join our People team in Manchester. You’ll work closely with two Divisional Operations Directors who will lead more than 5,000 colleagues each across our food stores. Your role will be all about building effective working relationships with senior partners and providing practical, creative HR solutions that make a real difference to our food store colleagues’ experience. If you’re great at partnering, influencing, and coaching senior leaders, this is a brilliant opportunity to have a genuine impact.

Why this role matters

Our food store teams are the face of our Co-op. They make a huge difference in local communities every day. We need to make sure they feel supported, cared for, and empowered to do their best work. That’s where you come in.

What you’ll do

• Partner two Divisional Operations Directors to improve the experience of a combined 10,000+ food store colleagues
• Design and deliver people plans that drive engagement and performance
• Provide expert advice across a broad range of people issues such as talent management, succession planning, and change activity
• Support key people processes such as performance management and talent development
• Use data and insight to help leaders make informed people-based decisions
• Coach and mentor leaders across our Food Retail business
• Make sure our Co-op vision, values, and commitment to inclusion are prioritised daily

What you’ll bring

• Experience as a Senior Business Partner, with a track record of building credible, effective business relationships with senior leaders
• Strong coaching skills, with the ability to influence and challenge people inclusively
• Great communication and relationship-building skills
• A proactive approach and confidence to work independently and as part of a team
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to change
• The ability to analyse, scope out work and carry-out effective people-based activity that adds real value

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• Private healthcare
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.

We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion