At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR compliance and employee relations across Europe, ensuring policies are up to date.
- Company: WHSmith Europe, a globally recognised brand with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 24 days holiday plus your birthday off, and annual bonuses.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with flexible working options and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while supporting colleagues across Europe.
- Qualifications: Strong HR knowledge, international experience, and excellent attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
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.
- Work 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.
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)
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!
Employee Relations Partner - Europe in London employer: WH Smith
WHSmith is an excellent employer that values exceptional customer service and teamwork, providing a supportive work culture where employees can thrive. With benefits like a pension scheme, paid annual leave, and employee discounts, along with a commitment to wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, we ensure our team members feel valued and rewarded. Located in dynamic environments such as airports and rail stations, our employees enjoy unique opportunities for growth and development while contributing to making every journey better for our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Partner - Europe in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at WH Smith!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at WH Smith.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Partner - Europe in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at WH Smith. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to WH Smith and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at WH Smith. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to WH Smith's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at WH Smith
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with WH Smith.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at WH Smith will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact WH Smith and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
