Policy Consultant

Initial interview date: 14 October 2025

Do you have exceptional writing skills and experience navigating complex regulatory environments? Do you have a collaborative mindset and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders? If so, we want you to join our HR Policy Team!

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.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the HR landscape at one of the world's leading universities. 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.

What You Will Need:

• 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.

Please note that we will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the position early once it has been filled.

Benefits of working at Cambridge include:

• 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 generous employer contribution.
• Travel benefits and retail discounts.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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