At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR policy development and influence organisational change across diverse teams.
- Company: Dynamic organisation at the forefront of people policy and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, health benefits, and matched pension.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and external collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and shape the future of work.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development within a large, multi-workforce organisation.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 83000 £ per year.
Location: Dunstable (LU5 5XE), hybrid working 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home/another location
Function: People
Salary/Grade: £78,000 - £83,000 dependant on skills and experiences + car allowance worth £5,650 + up to 30% bonus + health + 10% matched pension + benefits
Are you ready to shape the future of people policy in a complex, fast-moving organisation? This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact HR Policy Lead role, operating at the heart of business transformation and legislative change.
You’ll take ownership of HR policy across our Support Centre (Head Office) and Operations spanning the UK, Northern Ireland, Crown Dependencies and the Republic of Ireland. You’ll also work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, influencing how policy is designed, interpreted, and brought to life for thousands of colleagues across a diverse, multi-site workforce.
You will lead on cutting-edge and evolving areas such as employee rights legislation, absence, management of performance and the impact of AI and emerging technologies in the workplace. You will also represent the organisation externally, collaborating with industry bodies, contributing to forums, and staying ahead of societal and legislative shifts.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in complexity: a confident facilitator who can navigate senior stakeholders, balance detail with big-picture thinking, and drive accountability across the business. You’ll bring strong expertise in policy development (recently applied within a large, multi-workforce organisation), alongside a sharp, delivery-focused mindset.
What makes this role truly exciting is the scope for impact. You’ll shape how policy evolves in response to a rapidly changing external landscape, influence leadership thinking, and play a visible role at both internal and external forums.
If you enjoy working at pace, tackling ambiguity, and seeing your work directly shape employee experience at scale, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.
Be at the forefront of change. Shape policy. Influence the future of work.
Policy - HR Policy Manager employer: Whitbread PLC
At Whitbread, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Located in Dunstable, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while providing competitive benefits, including a generous salary, car allowance, and a robust pension scheme. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to influence policy at a high level and make a meaningful impact on the future of work within a diverse and supportive environment.
