HR Policy Manager

Whitbread; Dunstable; Hybrid; GBP 78,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Health insurance

10% matched pension

Up to 30% bonus

Other bens

Job summary

Whitbread is seeking a HR Policy Lead to own policy across our UK Support Centre and Operations, spanning the UK, Northern Ireland, Crown Dependencies and the Republic of Ireland. You will shape policy on employee rights, absence, performance, and the impact of AI in a large, multi-site workforce.

You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and the Chief People Officer to translate policy into practical guidance, influence leadership thinking, and drive delivery across the business in

Job description

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 + bens

Are you ready to shape the future of people policy in a complex, fast-moving, FTSE100 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, working closely with the Chief People Officer, 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.

We’re proud to be a Top Employer for 14 consecutive years, a top apprenticeship employer, #10 in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, and a Top 25 Exemplary Employer in the Investing in Ethnicity Parliamentary Matrix.

Be at the forefront of change. Shape policy. Influence the future of work.