Policy Consultant

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Cambridge seeks a Policy Consultant to lead HR policy development and ensure compliance with UK employment law. The role involves liaising with stakeholders, devising project plans, and enhancing HR capabilities within the organization. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in policy implementation, project management skills, and exceptional communication abilities. This position offers competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Competitive rates of pay

Generous annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Generous parental leave entitlements

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Travel benefits and retail discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience interpreting and advising on policy within a complex organization.
• Skill in leading communication and negotiation processes with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, development, and implementation of HR policies.
• Design and promote new HR policies ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Provide guidance on policies and related matters, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

Skills

Strong project management skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Strong understanding of UK employment law

Experience of policy development and implementation

Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

Job description

Overview

This role offers an exciting chance to work alongside a highly skilled team and expand your expertise in policy design and implementation. You will engage with diverse stakeholders, enhancing your communication skills and broadening your network. Additionally, you will develop advanced project management abilities and deepen your understanding of UK employment law, including the far-reaching changes brought about by the new Employment Rights Bill. All while playing a key role in supporting the University’s mission of excellence in research and education.

The Role

You will lead the review, development, and implementation of HR policies, ensuring our policies are compliant, effective and aligned to the University’s strategic objectives. Strong project management skills will be essential as you coordinate efforts across the HR Division and liaise with colleagues across the University to ensure regulatory excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and promote new HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, good practice and strategic objectives.
• Develop clear, timely and succinct project plans and timelines to ensure that projects are delivered on time and to agreed success criteria.
• Lead and facilitate formal communication, consultation and negotiation processes with staff and trade union representatives, designing and presenting solutions with sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Seek approval through the University governance and committee e.g. prepare and present formal documents (e.g. committee papers, consultation documents, management information).
• Provide responsive and accurate information and guidance on policy and related matters, including the practical application and interpretation of HR policy.
• Prepare clear communications for stakeholders across the University.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of policy development and implementation.
• Proven experience in interpreting and advising on policy and procedures within a complex organisation.
• Excellent project management skills, skilled in managing multiple tasks and deadlines using project management tools.

Application timeline

Initial interview date: 14 October 2025

Why join us?

The University of Cambridge is a world-renowned institution celebrated for our excellence in research, education, and scholarship. With over 14,000 staff, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and contemporary workplace that supports our employees. Following the launch of our ambitious People Strategy, we have an opportunity for a Policy Consultant to join our HR Division. This role will offer you an exciting opportunity to drive the evolution of our HR capabilities, processes, and ways of working, contributing to meaningful change within a globally recognised institution.

Benefits

• Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases.
• Generous annual leave allowance of up to 41 days paid leave.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlements.
• An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution.
• Travel benefits and retail discounts.