People Policy Lead and Policy Hub Manager

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Southampton seeks a People Policy Lead to shape HR policies and manage a team of Policy Advisers. The role demands extensive HR policy experience, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and a commitment to inclusion. This position offers a supportive environment with opportunities to influence strategic HR direction and create a diverse workplace. Applications are welcomed from all interested candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Benefits

Generous pension and holiday allowance

Flexible working arrangements

On-campus sports and arts facilities

Inclusive community commitment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in HR policy development within a complex, unionised environment.
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and implications of the Employment Rights Bill.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and inclusive policy design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the People Policy Hub and manage a team of Policy Advisers.
• Develop, review, and implement people policies and supporting guidance.
• Chair the Joint Policy Working Group and lead consultations with trade unions.

Skills

HR policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Team leadership

Education

Chartered Membership of the CIPD or equivalent

Job description

People Policy Lead and Policy Hub Manager

Do you want to use your expertise to shape the future of people policy at a leading University?

In this influential role at the heart of our HR Service Delivery team, you will lead the People Policy Hub, inspiring and empowering a talented team of Policy Advisers. You will collaborate with legal experts, subject specialists, operational teams and trade unions to create policies that are not just compliant, but truly inclusive and forward-thinking.

You will take the lead in shaping every stage of policy development, from initial concept through to consultation, implementation, and ongoing review. Your influence will extend beyond HR, as you play a key role in other University policy development and in major University projects and governance. This is your opportunity to be part of a supportive and forward-thinking HR leadership team, with opportunities to influence strategic change and make a real impact on how we support our people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the People Policy Hub and manage a team of Policy Advisers.
• Develop, review, and implement people policies, and supporting guidance.
• Ensure that the terms and conditions within existing employment contracts are clearly articulated and understood.
• Lead the development of a new suite of flexible contract models that reflect the evolving needs of a modern university workforce.
• Ensure legal compliance, inclusivity, and alignment with university values.
• Chair the Joint Policy Working Group and lead consultations & negotiations with trade unions.
• Provide expert advice on policy interpretation and employment terms.
• Oversee equality impact assessments and governance approvals.
• Contribute to other University policy development, organisational-wide projects and HR direction.

About You

You will bring:

• Extensive experience in HR policy development within a complex, unionised environment, ideally supported by Chartered Membership of the CIPD (or equivalent).
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law (including the implications of the Employment Rights Bill), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and organisational change.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and influence across boundaries.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and inclusive policy design.

Why Join Us?

We offer:

• Generous pension and holiday allowance.
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies.
• On-campus sports and arts facilities.
• A welcoming, inclusive community committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students.

Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton!

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.

We welcome applications from all candidates with an interest in the role, especially those from underrepresented groups.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.