Take ownership of a broad HR generalist portfolio and help shape the employee experience across our Support Office and Store network.

We’re looking for a proactive and commercially minded HR Generalist to support our fast paced travel retail and F&B; business.

Reporting directly to the People Director, you’ll partner with leaders and teams across the business to deliver practical people initiatives and help create an setting where everyone can do their best work. You’ll have the opportunity to influence the employee experience across recruitment, employee relations, learning, engagement and workforce planning. This is a Sydney based role supporting our Support Office and store network. The successful candidate will need the flexibility to engage with teams across our operating locations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Support compliance with employment legislation, relevant modern awards and industrial relations requirements across the Support Office and stores.

Provide practical HR advice and coaching to leaders on employee relations, performance, engagement and workforce matters.

Manage recruitment across the business, from workforce planning and sourcing through to selection and offer, while delivering a positive candidate experience.

Use market insights and recruitment data to develop targeted sourcing and attraction strategies for priority roles.

Build and maintain talent pipelines for recurring and business-critical roles to support current and future workforce needs.

Enhance employer branding through engaging job advertisements and maintaining career pages.

Partner with leaders to forecast workforce needs and deliver recruitment best practices.





Implement learning and development programs that align with organisational goals with the support of the Group People Team.

Foster a culture of continuous learning and development across the organisation.

Support employee engagement initiatives and contribute to talent development programs and surveys.

Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on recruitment, engagement, and learning matters.

In coordination with the HR Administrator and Office Manager, oversee the day to day running of the Support Office.

Key Competencies and Requirements

Experience with award interpretation (specifically GRIA and FFIA) - Preferable

Tertiary qualifications in Industrial Relations or Human Resources preferred.

Ability to develop productive working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

3+ years' experience in an HR environment

Ability to confidently build trust and credibility and maintain relationships at all levels of the organisation

Highly developed organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise own workload along with strong attention to detail and accuracy

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong administration skills and attention to detail

Must have commercial acumen and proven sound HR generalist knowledge

How we reward our teams:





- Competitive salary and benefits
- Hybrid working (3 days in our Woolloomooloo office)
- Flexible Working
- 4pm Friday Finish
- Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday!
- Strong commitment to development and internal progression
- A culture and workplace that values wellbeing, inclusion and personal growth
- Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
- Access to 24/7 wellbeing support through our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Generous employee discounts across a range of our products and with our retail partners.

About us:

WHSmith is an iconic British retailer with proud Australian operations, at the heart of travel, offering books, news, and essentials, designed for life on the move. Our diverse retail brands include WHSmith Retail, InMotion, Kids Stop and The Book Cellar, each dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Our stores are located in some of Australia’s busiest airports & Hospitals, providing a dynamic and fast paced work workplace that is perfect for a driven individual who thrives on a challenge and is ready to kick start their career.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

WHSmith is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment. We recognise the importance of equity in all that we do, as well as promoting a culture of inclusion through our policies, procedures and working practices. If you have any support requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application, so we can assist you appropriately during the recruitment process.

Value our People, Drive for Results, Customer Focus & Accountability.

📌 HR Business Partner (Sydney)
🏢 WHSmith
📍 Sydney