ER Partner - 1 year fixed term contract

Location: Remote/Swindon

We have created an exciting opportunity for an ER Partner to join our People team following the recent announcement that our High Street business will be sold and rebranded to TG Jones.

As an ER Partner you will be reporting into the Senior People Partner providing expert advice and guidance on all things related to HR policy and practice, delivering a first-class customer service to all colleagues across our High Street Stores and Support Centre. As an important member of our HR team, you will have previous experience within a similar ER role, be a confident communicator over the phone and via email and have a ‘can do’ attitude. This is a fast-paced role dealing with high volume queries so being able to remain calm under pressure is an important trait. The ability to support staff who are based remotely is essential.

What you will be doing:

• Advising on all employee relations matters, such as performance management, grievance and disciplinary issues and long-term sickness absence

• Be able to manage HR cases through to completion including; Disciplinary, Grievance and Absence Management

• Keeping fully up to date with all developments in terms of employment legislation and employee relations issues

• Maintaining company policy and procedure accordingly

• Provide ER support and related initiatives and training

• Shaping policy and other employment-related documentation as part of the ER Team

• Developing and sustaining good business relationships to promote good employee relations across the wider business

Who we are looking for:

• Experience in providing guidance, expert knowledge within a fast-paced environment

• Experience of taking the lead on managing complex ER cases and providing the necessary advice

• Ability to contribute and drive continuous improvement throughout ER practice and policy

• Strong up to date working knowledge of employment law and experience in contributing to the research and development of employment policies, procedures and practices

• Excellent knowledge of ER procedures and processes

• Experience of working on own initiative within a demanding environment with the highest professional standards

• Excellent judgement with a logical, meticulous and pragmatic approach to decision-making

• Highly adaptable with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to gain others’ confidence quickly.

• Ability to gain commitment, drive things forward, be highly organised and ensure that deadlines are met.

• Involvement in or delivery of training is desirable

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

• Sharesave Scheme

• Annual Bonus based on company and Personal Performance

• Competitive salary

• 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 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve. 

WHSmith have occupied our place as the Hub of the High Street and in our customers’ hearts since 1792. Across our diverse estate of over 500 stores on UK high streets, with our wide-ranging store sizes and formats, we sell a large range of products including stationery, greeting cards, art and craft, newspapers, magazines, books and drinks. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. 

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!