International Payroll Coordinator – 6 Month Fixed-Term Contract

Closing Date for Applications - Friday 28th of August 2026.

At WHSmith, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the people who go the extra mile for our customers and enable our continued growth.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an International Payroll Coordinator to join our People team on a 3-month fixed-term contract.

As International Payroll Coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring that all international payroll processes are delivered accurately, efficiently and on time. You will coordinate payroll activities across multiple markets, working closely with internal stakeholders, our third-party payroll providers and local in-country partners.

What you will be doing:

• Managing several company payrolls across EMEA and APAC, including monthly and year-end processes, ensuring they are delivered accurately and on time.
• Compiling, preparing, processing, and inputting payroll information to ensure timely and accurate payments, working closely with our third-party payroll providers and local in-country partners.
• Managing and resolving payroll queries, including escalated queries and issues where required.
• Completing payroll reconciliations in conjunction with our internal Finance team, including social security and other relevant reconciliations.
• Working closely with key stakeholders across the business, including People Partners and Area Managers, to ensure payroll information is accurate and delivered within the required timescales.
• Supporting the starter and leaver processes for Head Office and Store Management colleagues, ensuring all relevant payroll information is captured and processed correctly.
• Working closely with Time & Attendance teams and systems to ensure accurate payroll inputs and resolve any discrepancies.
• Supporting Store Managers and relevant stakeholders with payroll processes, providing guidance, and helping to improve payroll knowledge and understanding where required.
• Developing and improving payroll procedures, processes, and systems (including Time & Attendance) to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Keeping up to date with relevant changes to payroll legislation and practices, supporting the business and People team with the implementation of any required changes.
• Administering the international expenses platform and supporting colleagues with related queries.

What we are looking for:

• Previous experience working in a similar payroll position, ideally within a multinational or international environment.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple payroll deadlines across several EMEA and APAC markets each month.
• Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with data.
• Experience using Time & Attendance software; experience with Quinyx would be desirable.
• Knowledge of European payroll and tax legislation and practices would be advantageous.
• Experience working across multiple payroll platforms would be desirable.
• CIPP qualification would be desirable but is not essential.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid working model, combining home and office working.
• 4pm Friday finish.
• 25 days' holiday, plus your birthday off and Bank Holidays, with the opportunity to purchase additional holiday through our Holiday Plus salary sacrifice scheme.
• Family-friendly leave.
• Company pension.
• Sharesave Scheme.
• Annual bonus based on company and personal performance.
• Competitive salary.

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, we're proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand, with a presence in over 30 countries around the world. We're proud to be that air of familiarity that people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life.

As a diverse group of over 12,000 colleagues, we're all on the same journey to build a better business through our commitments to our planet, our people, and the communities we serve.

WHSmith has occupied a special place in our customers' hearts for over two centuries. You'll find our stores and family of brands in airports, hospitals, railway stations, on high streets and in shopping centres – as well as right across the world. We're an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration, and innovation, creating a truly entrepreneurial culture.

At WHSmith, we're committed to 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!