Policy Consultant

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension plan

Health benefits

Wellbeing services

Job summary

The University of Cambridge's Human Resources Division is seeking an experienced Policy Consultant to shape and deliver HR policy across the institution. You will support policy development, stakeholder engagement and cultural change initiatives affecting staff across the university.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of HR, you will draft, review and implement policies, lead negotiations with trade unions and manage cross-functional projects, delivering trainings and reports.

Qualifications

• Experience drafting and implementing HR policies in a complex or regulated environment.
• Strong written communication and report-writing skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation with trade unions.

Responsibilities

• Developing, reviewing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Providing advice and guidance on policy interpretation and application.
• Leading consultation and negotiation with trade unions and key stakeholders.
• Managing policy projects and coordinating cross-functional working groups.
• Preparing reports, committee papers and communications.
• Designing and delivering policy-related training, briefings and workshops.

Skills

Policy drafting

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Written communication

Education

CIPD qualification or equivalent

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Policy Consultant to join the University of Cambridge's Human Resources Division.This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver HR policy across one of the world's leading universities, supporting policy development, stakeholder engagement, and cultural change initiatives that impact staff across the institution.We encourage early applications as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.About the roleReporting to the Assistant Director of HR, you will support the development, implementation and review of University-wide HR policies, ensuring they are legally compliant, aligned with strategic priorities and embedded effectively across the employee lifecycle.Working closely with HR colleagues, trade unions and stakeholders across the University, you will provide specialist policy advice, lead consultation activity, manage projects and contribute to the delivery of innovative people practices.What you will be doingDeveloping, reviewing and implementing HR policies and procedures.Providing advice and guidance on policy interpretation and application.Leading consultation and negotiation with trade unions and key stakeholders.Managing policy projects and coordinating cross-functional working groups.Preparing reports, committee papers, business cases and communications.Designing and delivering policy-related training, briefings and workshops.We are looking for someone who hasExperience drafting and implementing HR policies in a complex or regulated environment.Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.Experience working with trade unions and undertaking consultation and negotiation activity.Excellent written communication and report-writing skills.Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.Why join us?Alongside working in a collaborative and supportive environment, the University of Cambridge offers a range of excellent benefits, including:Development opportunities such as LinkedIn Learning, job¿shadowing and career pathways.41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) and a highly competitive pension scheme.Hybrid working with flexibility in how you arrange your office days.A wide range of discounts at local retailers and thousands of national brands.Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym access and the Staff Counselling Service.We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements.For this role, all applications will be managed by Spirehouse Recruitment. To apply, please send your CV to [e-mail] further information about the role, please contact Abbie Carr (Executive Consultant), [e-mail] date: Friday 23 October 2026Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.