People Compliance and Audit Lead

WH Smith PLC; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in the UK is seeking an HR Compliance & Audit Lead to ensure HR practices align with UK employment legislation. This role involves conducting compliance audits, overseeing Right to Work processes, and maintaining HR policies. Ideal candidates will have strong knowledge of employment law, experience in HR compliance, and excellent analytical skills. The position is based in London or Swindon, with a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, including NMW and Right to Work legislation.
• Proven experience in HR compliance within a retail or multi-site environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular audits for compliance with National Minimum Wage legislation.
• Oversee Right to Work checks for new hires and train managers on processes.
• Maintain key HR policies in line with employment law.

Skills

Knowledge of UK employment law

Experience in HR compliance

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

HR Compliance & Audit Lead — Based in London or Swindon - 3 days a week in the office

Closing Date - Friday 26th of September 2025

Ready to play a key role in shaping a compliant and people-first retail environment? Join WHSmith Travel as our HR Compliance and Audit Lead and help us ensure our people practices are legally sound, ethically strong, and operationally effective.

Role Overview

As our HR Compliance and Audit Lead, you\'ll take the lead in driving employment compliance across our WHSmith Travel stores and Support Centre. This pivotal role ensures our HR practices are aligned with UK employment legislation, mitigate risk, and support the integrity and values of our business.

You\'ll work closely with key stakeholders across People, Payroll, Internal Audit, Store Operations, and Field Teams, providing clear guidance, conducting audits, and embedding a strong culture of compliance across a fast-paced, multi-site retail environment.

What You\'ll Be Doing

HMRC & NMW Compliance

• Conduct regular audits across our store estate to ensure compliance with National Minimum Wage legislation.
• Review practices such as uniform deductions, unpaid training, and rounding of hours to ensure no impact on pay compliance.
• Collaborate with Payroll and Operations to proactively identify and resolve potential risks.
• Stay ahead of legislative changes and keep policies and systems up to date.
• Support external audits or investigations with timely, accurate documentation.

Right to Work & Immigration

• Oversee Right to Work checks for all new hires, ensuring pre-employment compliance and accurate system records (Dayforce).
• Lead on Imposter Checks, ensuring physical verification of ID.
• Train Store Managers and recruiters on legal documentation and process adherence.
• Monitor changes in immigration law and guide on sponsorship where needed.
• Ensure GDPR-compliant storage of all relevant documentation.

HR Policy Governance & Training

• Own and maintain key HR policies in line with employment law and retail-specific regulations.
• Conduct internal reviews across recruitment, onboarding, contracts, and working hours.
• Support employee data compliance under GDPR.
• Deliver training and resources to promote a culture of accountability and compliance.
• Produce regular reports to share insights and trends with business stakeholders.

What We\'re Looking For

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, especially in NMW and Right to Work legislation
• Proven experience in a HR compliance role within a retail or multi-site environment
• Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

Why Join WHSmith Travel?

At WHSmith Travel, we\'re more than just a retailer. We operate in airports, train stations and hospitals across the UK and beyond - delivering convenience, service and quality to millions of customers every day. Join a team that values integrity, innovation and continuous improvement.