HR professional

This is a hands-on, senior position for someone who knows HR inside out and can step into a fast-paced retail environment with confidence from day one. You'll take ownership of the full HR function - supporting managers across our stores and central team, handling employee relations, keeping our people processes running smoothly, and bringing real human judgement to every situation. You won't need hand-holding, and you won't ruffle feathers. You'll slot into a tight-knit team, earn trust quickly, and make a real difference in the six months you're with us. What you'll be doing

• Providing day-to-day HR support across our retail stores and central operations
• Managing employee relations matters with sensitivity, fairness, and sound judgement
• Supporting managers with performance, absence, and people challenges
• Ensuring our HR practices, policies, and compliance obligations stay on track
• Working collaboratively with the wider leadership team on culture and engagement
• Being the kind of HR professional people actually want to talk to
• Overseeing progress on our Great Place to Work project
  
  10+ years of HR experience at a senior level - you've seen it all and handled it well
• A background in retail, hospitality, or a similarly service-driven environment
• Outstanding interpersonal skills - you connect easily with people at every level
• Someone who brings calm, clarity, and confidence to complex people situations
• Practical, pragmatic, and solutions-focused - not bureaucratic
• Genuinely warm and people-first in your approach
• The kind of professional who hits the ground running and earns trust fast
  
  Bayley & Sage is one of London's most loved independent food retailers,a neighbourhood brand built on warmth, quality, and genuine care for people. Our stores are places where customers feel at home, and our teams are the reason for that. We have been included in the Great Place to Work list for 2026 which is a reflection of our culture. We're looking for an experienced HR professional to join us on a 6 month fixed-term basis and keep that culture thriving while we support a valued colleague on maternity leave., About Bayley & Sage
We're an independent food retailer with a loyal following across London. Our shops are known for their carefully curated range, their atmosphere and the exceptional service our teams deliver every day. Culture matters to us - not as a word on a wall, but as something our people genuinely feel. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a short note about why this role appeals to you.