Hybrid HR Policy Lead — Shape Policy & Future of Work

Whitbread PLC; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 78,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Up to 30% bonus

Health cover

10% matched pension

Job summary

Whitbread PLC in the UK is seeking an HR Policy Manager to own policy across our Support Centre and UK operations. This is a high-impact, fast-moving role shaping how employee policy is designed, interpreted, and applied for thousands of colleagues. You will lead on rights legislation, absence, performance-related policies, and the impact of AI in the workplace, collaborating with senior leaders and external bodies to stay ahead of change.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in policy development in a large, multi-workforce organisation.
• Experience leading HR policy across a UK-wide footprint with senior stakeholders.
• Delivery-focused mindset and ability to navigate complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Own HR policy across the Support Centre (Head Office) and Operations in the UK, Northern Ireland, Crown Dependencies and the Republic of Ireland.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team and Chief People Officer to design, interpret and bring policy to life for thousands of colleagues.
• Lead on evolving areas such as employee rights legislation, absence, and performance-related policy, plus the impact of AI and emerging technologies in the workplace.
• Represent the organisation externally, engaging with industry bodies and staying ahead of societal and legislative shifts.

Job description

Whitbread PLC in the UK is seeking an HR Policy Manager to own policy across our Support Centre and UK operations. This is a high-impact, fast-moving role shaping how employee policy is designed, interpreted, and applied for thousands of colleagues. You will lead on rights legislation, absence, performance-related policies, and the impact of AI in the workplace, collaborating with senior leaders and external bodies to stay ahead of change.