International People Policy Specialist (Retail)

At WHSmith, 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 International People team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be legally protected, compliant, and empowered to deliver their best work across our Rest of World (ROW) business.

We are looking for an International People Policy Specialist (Retail) to join our International People team.

The main purpose of this role is to enable the ROW business to operate legally, compliantly, and effectively by advising on local employment legislation and HR/payroll practices, developing and maintaining relevant policies, and supporting on employee relations matters. You will also serve as the Data Sponsor for International People/HR, ensuring robust data governance, documentation and compliance across our markets.

What you will be doing:

• Keeping fully up to date with developments in employment legislation, HR/payroll practices and CBA updates across our international locations through regular horizon scanning.

• Using identified trends and developments to create and deliver actionable requirements, such as drafting policies, delivering training, and identifying best practices.

• Assessing and communicating the business impact of legislative changes and trends, including potential cost implications and recommended best practice changes.

• Setting up, maintaining and delivering an employment policy review matrix, and maintaining and developing an Employee Relations (ER) tracker.

• Maintaining policies held within the WHSmith colleague app.

• Supporting the management of employee relations matters, queries, and legal cases alongside the People Partnering team, including researching market-specific legislation and presenting risk-based, cost-effective options.

• Acting as Data Sponsor for International ROW, working with the Data Protection team to develop, update, and maintain Data Privacy Notices, Retention Guidelines and Records of Processing Activities (ROPA).

• Building close relationships with the People Partnering team to deliver shared accountabilities and responsibilities.

• Working with the Talent Acquisition and People teams to ensure legally compliant and operationally efficient employment contracts across all locations.

• Establishing beneficial working relationships with our global employment legal partners and other third-party support providers.

• Conducting research and working alongside People Partners to deliver HR and ER requirements when opening in new countries and locations.

What we are looking for:

• A proactive, organised individual with a strong understanding of HR, employment legislation, and compliance within an international context.

• The ability to translate legislative developments into clear, actionable business requirements.

• International experience. Spain, Ireland and Nordics is desirable.

• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

• Strong relationship-building skills, with confidence in collaborating with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

• A solutions-focused, analytical mindset, with the ability to assess and communicate business risk effectively.

• Experience in HR policy development, compliance monitoring, and managing or advising on employee relations matters.

• Comfortable handling confidential information with discretion.

• Confident using HR systems, trackers, and documentation management tools.

• Someone who shares our values and is excited to be part of a trailblazing International People team at WHSmith.

How we reward our teams:

• Competitive salary

• Annual bonus based on company and personal performance

• Hybrid working model from home and in the office

• 24 days holiday, plus your birthday off, plus Bank Holidays, with an opportunity to buy extra holiday

• Finish at 4pm on a Friday

• Competitive pension contribution

• Staff discount card for stores and online