THE ROLE
Debenhams Group is on an exciting journey of transformation, strengthening our brands, culture and capabilities to drive long-term growth. At the heart of this is our ability to attract and hire exceptional talent who will help shape the future of our business.
We're looking for an experienced Talent Acquisition Partner to join our People team. You'll work closely with leaders across the business to deliver high-quality, agile and inclusive recruitment. In this role, you'll play a pivotal part in how we identify, engage and hire talent, while delivering an outstanding candidate experience that reflects our values and ambition.
This role is based in our central Manchester office.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
As a Talent Acquisition Partner, you'll own end-to-end recruitment for your designated business areas. Working autonomously while collaborating with hiring managers, HR colleagues and external partners, you'll provide expert advice, market insight and hands-on delivery to ensure the right talent is hired at the right time.
Business Partnering & Recruitment Delivery
* Partner with hiring managers to understand recruitment needs, define role requirements and advise on best-practice hiring approaches
* Manage end-to-end recruitment processes, ensuring efficiency, quality and a strong candidate experience
* Screen candidates and lead interviews, contributing as a skilled interviewer and supporting evidence-based hiring decisions
* Manage multiple vacancies simultaneously, prioritising business-critical roles and maintaining clear, transparent communication
Candidate Experience & Attraction
* Deliver a positive, engaging and inclusive candidate journey, acting as a brand ambassador for Debenhams Group
* Create compelling job adverts and attraction materials aligned to candidate motivations and market trends
* Use a wide range of sourcing strategies, including headhunting, advertising channels and personal networks, to attract high-quality talent
* Support talent attraction initiatives such as content, events and brand ambassador activity, measuring impact and success
Stakeholder Management & Process Excellence
* Forecast recruitment activity and build proactive talent pipelines in partnership with the business
* Advise hiring managers on assessment and selection tools to support fair, objective and inclusive hiring decisions
* Act as the connector between candidates, hiring managers and HR, ensuring a smooth end-to-end process
* Coordinate interviews efficiently and deliver timely, meaningful candidate feedback
* Manage offers and negotiate effectively to secure top talent
Data, Systems & Continuous Improvement
* Use the ATS as the central recruitment system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date activity, data and reporting
* Track recruitment metrics and share insights with key stakeholders
* Partner with PSL agencies where required, building strong and collaborative relationships
* Support the Talent Acquisition Manager with wider projects and initiatives
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
* Proven experience in in-house or agency recruitment, ideally within retail, e-commerce or a fast-moving consumer environment
* Strong understanding of the end-to-end recruitment lifecycle and talent market dynamics
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence, advise and build trusted relationships
* Skilled across a range of sourcing and attraction strategies
* Highly organised, comfortable managing competing priorities and high vacancy volumes
* Strong judgement, attention to detail and delivery focus
* A collaborative team player who shares knowledge and supports others
* Alignment with Debenhams Group values: Be bold. Be creative. Be a community.
WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group, we thrive on change, innovation and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you embrace the unknown, thrive in a fast-moving, high-growth environment and want to shape the future of retail, you'll feel right at home here.
We're looking for visionaries, disruptors and doers; people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy and the drive to make an impact.
WHY JOIN US
Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception.
2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.
Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility):
* Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance
* Access to an on-site gym and free weekly Pilates, yoga and fitness classes
* 20% discount across all brands
* Comprehensive wellbeing package
* Dog-friendly offices (in selected locations)
* Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression
* On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks
* Free season ticket loan
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