International Policy and Legislation Advisor

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 Policy and Legislation Advisor (HR) 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

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

For UK and International Travel, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands responsible for essentials and technology in airports (including our InMotion stores), hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our office is based in a buzzing part of London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation, resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture at all levels. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

At WHSmith, 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!