Are you passionate about creating inclusive, engaging workplaces where people can thrive? We're looking for a DEI, Wellbeing & Talent Partner to join our HR team and help drive forward our global people strategy across WHSmith's retail businesses.
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role across three critical areas: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), Talent Management & Performance, and Colleague Wellbeing. Working from our Aldgate Head Office with hybrid flexibility, you'll be a trusted partner and advisor to leaders, HR colleagues and colleague networks.
What You'll Be Doing
Talent Management & Performance
* Partner with leaders to identify, develop and retain key talent across global teams.
* Support the delivery of talent frameworks including succession planning and leadership development.
* Guide the performance cycle, embedding fair and inclusive practices.
* Coach managers on performance conversations, career growth and goal setting.
* Analyse talent and performance data to highlight opportunities and risk areas.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
* Deliver our global DEI strategy, ensuring it's embedded across the colleague lifecycle, from recruitment, development, promotion and retention.
* Support and guide colleague networks with governance, meaningful action, measurable progress and senior sponsorship.
* Track and report DEI progress, building awareness and inclusive capability through training and events.
* Analyse DEI data to review progress, highlight opportunities and risk areas.
* Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to integrate DEI principles into policy, processes, and everyday ways of working.
Wellbeing & Crisis Support
* Be the first point of contact for wellbeing escalations, providing access to appropriate support.
* Partner with EAP providers, and HR teams to deliver wellbeing initiatives and crisis support.
* Drive proactive wellbeing activity, including physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing.
Strategic Collaboration
* Provide expert insight on global trends and best practice across DEI, talent and wellbeing.
* Work closely with HR Business Partners and Centres of Excellence to deliver cohesive people strategies.
* Ensure legal compliance with wellbeing and inclusion policies across regions.
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in DEI, wellbeing, or talent management within a complex or global organisation.
* Strong knowledge of performance frameworks and inclusive leadership practices.
* Confident managing wellbeing or crisis cases with empathy and discretion.
* Strong facilitation, coaching and data-analysis skills.
* Comfortable engaging stakeholders at all levels with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
Desirable
* Experience in retail or other fast-paced, customer-driven industries.
* Global or matrixed organisation exposure.
* CIPD qualification or relevant accreditation in wellbeing, mental health, or coaching.
You'll Thrive in This Role If You Are…
* Inclusive
– You champion belonging and model inclusive behaviours.
* Collaborative
– You work across teams and geographies to deliver impact.
* Resilient
– You stay composed through ambiguity and sensitive situations.
* Empathetic
– You care deeply about people and their experiences at work.
* Insightful
– You turn trends and data into meaningful, strategic action.
What Success Looks Like
* Strong internal talent pipelines and leadership succession.
* Progress against our DEI targets and improved inclusion scores.
* Increased colleague engagement in wellbeing programmes.
* Active and visible colleague networks (ERGs).
* Positive feedback from business leaders and team members.
Why Join WHSmith?
With a rich history dating back over 230 years, WHSmith is one of the UK's most iconic retail brands – and we're continuing to grow both in the UK and internationally. You'll be joining a business that is proud of its heritage, but focused on the future: innovating, modernising, and putting people at the heart of everything we do.
We offer:
* Competitive salary and benefits
* Hybrid working (2–3 days a week in our Aldgate office)
* Strong commitment to development and internal progression
* A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion and personal growth
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help us build a workplace where every colleague can thrive, grow, and feel a true sense of belonging.