WHSmith
Employee Relations Partner - Europe
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PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.
At WHSmith Europe our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers, the ones that enable our growth. That’s why our team is passionate about delivering excellent ER partnering support to our colleagues and managers in WHSmith Europe.
What you will be doing:
- Lead employment law and HR compliance activity across all international locations through proactive horizon scanning, ensuring policies, practices and collective bargaining arrangements remain up to date. Translate legislative and market developments into practical business solutions, including policy creation, training delivery, best practice guidance and clear recommendations on business impact, risk and cost implications.
- Own and maintain key governance frameworks, including the employment policy review matrix, Employee Relations tracker, colleague app policies, and associated compliance documentation.
- Provide expert Employee Relations support in partnership with the People Partnering team, managing complex ER matters and legal cases through research-led, risk-based and commercially focused advice. Act as Data Sponsor for International ROW, partnering with the Data Protection team to develop and maintain Data Privacy Notices, Retention Guidelines and Records of Processing Activities (ROPA).
- Build strong internal and external partnerships with People, Talent Acquisition, legal advisers, and third-party providers to ensure compliant employment practices deliver shared people priorities. Build strong relationships with our colleagues based in European sites.
- Working collaboratively with the wider ER team, sharing knowledge and expertise while providing support across the function to meet changing priorities, workload demands, and business needs.
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What we are looking for:
- Strong understanding of HR, employment legislation, compliance, HR policy development and employee relations within a complex business environment.
- International HR experience, ideally with knowledge of employment legislation and practices across multiple markets.
- Experience supporting operations in Spain and Ireland, with additional European experience also advantageous.
- Ability to translate legislative developments into clear, practical and actionable business requirements.
- Experience managing compliance frameworks, HR policies, employee relations matters and governance processes.
- Confident using HR systems, trackers and documentation management tools to maintain accurate records and reporting.
- Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
- Proven ability to handle confidential information with professionalism, discretion and integrity.
- Exposure to international compliance, policy implementation and employment-related business change.
How we reward our teams:
- Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
- 4pm Friday Finish
- Flexible Working
- 24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
- Family Friendly Leave
- Company Pension scheme
- Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)
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About us:
Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.
For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.
We’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!
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