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:
* 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.
How we reward our teams:
* Competitive salary and benefits
* Hybrid working (2–3 days a week in our Aldgate office)
* Flexible Working
* 4pm Friday Finish
* 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
* Strong commitment to development and internal progression
* A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion and personal growth
* Company Pension scheme
* Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
* Private Medical
* Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
* Staff Discount Card for stores and online
About us
* Celebrating over 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.
Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. 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!
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