At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve D&I initiatives to create inclusive workplaces.
- Company: Join Whitbread, the UK's most inclusive hospitality business.
- Benefits: Enjoy a bonus potential, healthcare, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diversity and inclusion in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong D&I expertise and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56233 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Dunstable LU5
Hybrid working: 3 days a week in the office
Shape the Future of Inclusion at Whitbread
Are you passionate about creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive? We're looking for a Diversity & Inclusion Manager to lead and evolve our D&I agenda, ensuring we continue to be the UK's most inclusive hospitality business. Working closely with the Director of Talent, Development & Inclusion and the wider People Leadership Team, you'll drive the delivery of our annual D&I programme and key strategic change initiatives. From championing our inclusion commitments and amplifying colleague networks, to leading high-profile events, external benchmark submissions, and award-winning D&I initiatives, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping both colleague and guest experiences. This is a unique opportunity to influence meaningful change, build on our strong foundations, and ensure our D&I strategy remains aligned to best practice, emerging trends, and our ambitions for world-class performance and business growth.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and deliver key Diversity & Inclusion programmes and projects, managing initiatives aligned to our People Plan and D&I commitments, with a particular focus on inclusion calendar events, network gold events, colleague development and community engagement activities.
- Act as a trusted inclusion advisor, partnering with People teams, leaders and business stakeholders to ensure policies, projects and initiatives are developed with the needs of under-represented groups in mind.
- Own external D&I reporting, benchmarking and award submissions, leading high-quality submissions to frameworks such as Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, Disability Confident and Investing in Ethnicity, while producing annual reports including Gender Pay Gap and D&I reporting.
- Build and manage influential external partnerships, working closely with organisations, industry bodies and educational institutions to bring external insight, best practice and emerging thinking into the business.
- Champion the continuous evolution of our D&I strategy, staying ahead of societal and industry trends, collaborating with colleague networks and senior stakeholders to drive innovative, impactful and inclusive solutions across Whitbread.
Why you'll love it here
- Bonus Potential up to 20%
- Healthcare for you and your family
- Matched contribution pension up to 10%
What You'll Need to Bring
- Strong Diversity & Inclusion expertise, with a deep understanding of the lived experiences of under-represented groups, inclusive practices, and the key concepts that drive meaningful D&I outcomes, including bias, privilege and social mobility.
- A passion for staying ahead of emerging trends and best practice, using the latest research, external insights and industry developments to continually evolve and strengthen our D&I approach.
- Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and submissions, present complex ideas clearly, and build credibility with senior stakeholders across the business.
- Proven project management experience, successfully leading complex, high-profile initiatives from concept through to delivery, balancing multiple priorities, stakeholders, budgets and deadlines.
- Experience of leading a D&I agenda within a large, multi-site organisation, combined with a strong understanding of People processes across the employee lifecycle and the ability to translate external best practice into practical business solutions.
Diversity & Inclusion - D&I Manager employer: Whitbread PLC
Whitbread PLC is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where fun and hospitality thrive. As a Restaurant Team Member at The Warrener in Thetford, you'll enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and valuable employee benefits, all while being part of a supportive team that values your growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Diversity & Inclusion - D&I Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Whitbread PLC!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Whitbread PLC.
We think you need these skills to ace Diversity & Inclusion - D&I Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Whitbread PLC. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Whitbread PLC and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Whitbread PLC. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Whitbread PLC's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitbread PLC
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Whitbread PLC.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Whitbread PLC will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Whitbread PLC and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.