Human resources (HR)

The human resources (HR) department plays a key role in making a retail business successful. The HR team is responsible for recruiting, developing and retaining the people who are vital to the smooth running of the organisation and, ultimately, its profitability. HR or personnel officers and their managers build relationships with managers in other areas of the business, advising them on HR policies and putting structures in place to aid them in developing their own staff.

Other responsibilities include:

• writing job descriptions and advertising vacancies
• shortlisting and interviewing for job roles
• implementing government policy, such as legislation concerning racial equality
• dealing with disciplinary matters
• developing pay and benefits packages
• reviewing salaries
• planning training based on staff needs.

Working hours tend to be between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm but since many retailers open late at night and at weekends, you may be required to cover some of these hours.

You’ll be working with other professionals within the retail organisation to support the corporate strategy through HR systems and processes. To help maintain good relationships with managers in the areas you are responsible for, you may be required to visit their departments and get to know the staffing issues they face.

Starting out as a graduate HR trainee in retail

Specific HR graduate training schemes are rare, but it is possible to experience working in HR as part of a rotational graduate scheme with a large retailer. After completing your scheme, you can choose to specialise in a HR function.

Usually recruiters will offer direct entry to HR roles and you will receive on-the- job training. Most organisations will also give you the opportunity to study towards Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications.

Any degree background is accepted, particularly if you are going through a graduate training scheme. However, human resources management or business management may help your CV get noticed when applying for direct entry roles.

Skills for graduate retail HR jobs

Competition for jobs is fierce. Qualities that will put you ahead of the competition include a head for figures, good teamworking skills, flexibility and excellent organisational skills.

Kevin Spencer is recruitment manager for hotel and entertainment fleet personnel at Carnival UK.