Talent Acquisition Partner - Finance and Tech

Talent Acquisition Partner - Finance & Tech

6 month Fixed Term Contract

Must have experience in recruiting in both Finance & Tech

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

Our People team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing to do their best work. You will collaborate with Finance, Technology, HR, and preferred suppliers to deliver a best-in-class talent acquisition experience that ensures WHSmith hires the right people to drive business growth. You will source, attract, and onboard diverse, high-quality talent across all levels in Finance and Technology.

You will use direct sourcing, networks, distribution channels, and social media to build strong internal and external talent pipelines. Stay current on market trends and employment law to proactively drive recruitment strategies and fill roles efficiently. Demonstrate a strong track record in direct sourcing to reduce dependency on external agencies. Act as a brand ambassador, protecting and enhancing WHSmith's reputation and supporting relevant tech projects. Provide external talent insights to inform future hiring strategies.

What you will be doing:

• Design creative, cost-effective sourcing strategies to attract Finance and Technology talent, managing the full recruitment cycle from interview to onboarding.
• Leverage external talent insights to inform hiring decisions and stakeholder discussions.
• Build pipelines of passive candidates for in-demand Finance and Technology skillsets.
• Monitor and evaluate preferred supplier performance and value.
• Advise hiring managers on best-practice recruitment aligned with business needs and future projects.
• Support and engage in Finance, Technology, and broader HR initiatives as needed.
• Partner with HR, L&D, and the People team to ensure accurate execution of all TA admin tasks.
• Resolve operational issues affecting recruitment delivery.

What we are looking for:

• Strong senior stakeholder management with a collaborative, communicative approach and the confidence to influence and challenge decisions.
• Must have experience in recruiting for both Tech and Finance roles within the retail sector.
• Creative and logical problem solver with a focus on results.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to prioritise in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Skilled in managing preferred suppliers, evaluating niche expertise, and performance.
• Able to juggle multiple priorities and engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• High-energy, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
• Flexible team player, supporting Finance, Tech, and other business areas as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, with excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Experienced in developing recruitment best practices and using LinkedIn/social media to source talent and promote the employer brand.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model - 3 days in the office
• 4 pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• 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. We're committed to our planet, people, and communities.

Our UK Travel office is based in central London near Liverpool Street Station. We foster an entrepreneurial culture that thrives on pace, collaboration, and innovation. We encourage using initiative and embracing life outside the comfort zone.

At WHSmith, we're dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and excel. We welcome applicants regardless of background, age, disability, gender, race, or other characteristics. We are open to flexible working arrangements and provide adjustments during the selection process as needed.