Junior People Partner (1yr FTC)

About the company

Dune London is a well-established UK brand in affordable luxury footwear and accessories, with a strong presence in the UK and international markets. The business operates 50 stores across the UK and more than 100 stores in 25 countries worldwide. With continued expansion through online sales and third-party partnerships, the company has spent over 30 years building a reputation for high-quality fashion footwear and accessories at the premium end of the high street.

About the opportunity

An experienced and people-focused Junior People Partner is needed to join a collaborative People team on a fixed-term basis. This role involves partnering with managers across the business to provide practical, commercially minded guidance that supports a positive and high-performing workplace culture.

The position covers a varied mix of employee relations, talent support, learning and development, people data, and improvement projects. It also includes support for international markets, with particular interest in candidates who have worked across the Netherlands. You will report to the Senior People Partner and, while there are no direct reports, you will help coach and share knowledge with more junior colleagues.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a primary contact for employee relations support, handling both routine questions and more complex cases.
• Coach managers so they feel more confident managing people issues and making sound decisions.
• Support formal ER procedures, including attending high-risk hearings and helping managers reach appropriate outcomes.
• Ensure employee relations paperwork is completed accurately and issued promptly.
• Lead long-term absence cases and guide managers through the next steps.
• Share expertise and help develop junior team members.
• Provide People support for international regions, including ROI and the Netherlands.
• Stay current on employment law and keep the business informed of relevant updates.
• Work with the Junior People & Recruitment Advisor to maintain consistency across talent and recruitment activity.
• Contribute to learning and development delivery by helping run engaging manager training.
• Support the creation of practical learning materials that are easy to use.
• Maintain accurate people systems and generate reports and insights to support decision-making.
• Support projects such as the annual pay review and suggest process improvements.
• Build strong relationships with managers and collaborate closely with Payroll and the wider People team.
• Step in wherever needed and support social and charity initiatives that strengthen company culture.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of People experience, ideally within fashion or high-street retail.
• Solid background in employee relations.
• Comfortable working at pace and managing a high-volume workload.
• International employment experience, ideally including the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
• Good understanding of recruitment processes.
• Confident using Excel and Word.
• Ability to coach and influence stakeholders on people and ER matters.
• Strong communication, influencing, and presentation skills.
• Commercial awareness with a proactive, solution-focused mindset.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Team-oriented approach and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification.
• Desirable: experience supporting junior team members or advisors.
• Desirable: exposure to international employment practices.

Perks and benefits

• Blended working arrangement across office and remote days.
• Sustainable office in West London, close to Westfield.
• Open, friendly culture with a flat structure and room to grow.
• Opportunity to develop alongside a business that is actively evolving.
• Welcoming environment where ideas and suggestions are encouraged.
• Involvement with charitable partnerships, including support for Mental Health UK.
• 60% employee discount on Dune products.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life assurance for all team members.
• Early finish at 3:00 p.m. every payday Friday.
• Team socials and drinks.
• Access to an employee assistance programme with counselling, legal advice, and financial guidance.
• Access to internal Wellbeing Allies for support when needed.

Additional information

This is a 1-year fixed-term temporary position based in London, England, United Kingdom. The role is set up as onsite, with blended working mentioned in the benefits. The company states that it will review applications carefully and contact shortlisted candidates for a conversation. Candidates are encouraged to research the brand, the role, and the interviewer, and to prepare examples that demonstrate relevant experience and achievements.

Terms of application

If a candidate is not selected, the company indicates that individual feedback may not be provided. Successful applicants will be contacted for the next stage of the process.