HR Policy Manager

The Opportunity

Our client is looking for an experienced HR Policy Manager to lead the end-to-end lifecycle of People Policies across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

This is a strategic, highly visible role responsible for ensuring HR policies remain legally compliant, commercially effective and aligned with the organisation's People Strategy.

Working closely with the People Leadership Team and senior stakeholders, you will shape policy direction, drive governance activities and ensure employment legislation is translated into practical, business-focused solutions.

You will also play a key role in supporting organisational change, managing risk and compliance, and representing the business externally on employment legislation and HR best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Policy Strategy & Governance: Lead the full lifecycle of People Policies, including creation, review, implementation, communication and ongoing governance.
• Develop and maintain the organisation's People Policy framework, ensuring alignment with employment legislation, corporate governance and business objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing policies and develop future policy strategy in line with organisational priorities.
• Conduct policy reviews and impact assessments, providing recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Project manage major policy changes from concept through to successful implementation.
• Employment Law & Subject Matter Expertise Act as the organisation's subject matter expert on UK Employment Law and HR policy.
• Monitor legislative developments and emerging employment trends, providing proactive advice to senior leaders.
• Translate complex legal requirements into clear, practical guidance for the business.
• Provide expert support to the People Leadership Team, HR teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Compliance, Risk & Governance Lead compliance activities relating to People Policies, including audits, inspections and regulatory enquiries.
• Ensure policies support compliance with employment legislation, GDPR and internal governance standards.
• Support the management and reporting of people-related risk and compliance.
• Represent the People function at Operational Risk Forums and deputise for the Head of Operational People Change & HR when required.
• Stakeholder Management Build strong relationships across HR, Legal, Operations and other Centres of Expertise.
• Partner with third-party providers supporting People Policy delivery.
• Influence senior stakeholders and provide recommendations on policy development and organisational change.
• Collaborate across the employee lifecycle to ensure consistency and best practice.
• Policy Communication & Systems Maintain accurate policy documentation using SharePoint and ensure accessibility for all employees.
• Develop effective communication channels to improve awareness and understanding of HR policies.
• Ensure policies, guidance documents and templates remain current and user-friendly.
• Change Management & Projects Lead HR policy-related change programmes and implementation projects.
• Support wider organisational change initiatives by providing employee relations expertise.
• Ensure successful delivery of projects through effective planning, stakeholder engagement and governance.
• External Engagement Represent the organisation with external industry bodies and professional networks.
• Lead participation in employment legislation consultations where appropriate.
• Monitor external best practice and share key insights with senior HR leadership.
• Manage budgets relating to HR policy development and implementation projects where applicable.

About You

• Essential Experience Significant experience in Employee Relations and HR Policy within a large, commercial organisation.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of UK Employment Law.
• Experience leading complex HR policy development and governance.
• Proven experience delivering HR change and transformation projects.
• Experience supporting organisational change programmes and consultation activities.
• Strong understanding of the full employee lifecycle.
• Experience managing risk frameworks, compliance and GDPR.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders on complex Employee Relations matters.
• Desirable CIPD qualified and/or Chartered Member of the CIPD.
• Experience working within large, multi-site organisations.
• Experience engaging with external industry bodies and employment legislation forums.