Human Resources Advisor

Cobra Coffee; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading coffee business in the United Kingdom is seeking a People Advisor to support employee relations and guide managers in compliance with UK legislation. This hybrid role will involve advising on ER cases, collaborating with the people team, and enhancing the employee experience across Cobra Coffee. Strong communication skills and experience in HR are essential. Benefits include hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Free onsite parking

31 days’ holiday

20% colleague discount

Health & dental cash plans

24/7 virtual GP

Employee Assistance Programme

Life insurance

Financial wellbeing tools

Training & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a HR role with strong ER exposure.
• Sound knowledge of UK employment legislation and application.
• Background in high-volume, fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on disciplinary cases and absence management.
• Attend hearings and provide advice as management representative.
• Coach and influence line managers in ER cases.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Confidence in managing complex workloads

Education

CIPD qualification (or working towards)

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a People Advisor for our Cobra Coffee (Starbucks) business area.

As a People Advisor, you’ll provide expert employee relations advice and guidance that enables managers across Cobra Coffee Stores to take ownership and accountability for resolving cases. You’ll ensure that all ER matters are handled consistently, fairly and in compliance with UK employment legislation, ACAS codes of practice and company policy.

In addition to case management, you’ll play a key role in supporting the broader People function. This involves close collaboration with the wider people team, district managers, and senior leaders to help deliver the people plan and drive initiatives that enhance management capability, strengthen our culture, and elevate the overall employee experience across the business.

The working pattern is hybrid with ideally 3 days based at our head office, 1 day in store every other week, and 1–2 days working from home. There is flexibility week to week, so long as support and connection with the Colleague Relations team at Head Office are maintained, visibility within districts where possible (recognising this may vary depending on ER case demands), and flexibility to work from home when needed.

What you'll get

• Hybrid working
• Free onsite parking
• 31 days’ holiday (including bank holidays) - rising to 36 with service
• 20% colleague discount
• Health & dental cash plans
• 24/7 virtual GP & fitness discounts via Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life insurance & NEST pension
• Financial wellbeing tools & share incentive scheme
• Cycle-to-work & Electric Vehicle schemes
• Training & development opportunities

What to expect:

• You'll provide pragmatic and timely advice remotely on a wide range of cases including disciplinary, grievance, appeals, investigations and absence management, ensuring they are completed in line with agreed timescales
• Attend hearings and meetings when required as the management representative, providing advice and taking notes
• Coach and influence line managers to ensure the right outcome is achieved in each ER case. Deliver training to managers to improve capability in managing ER cases
• Escalate high-risk or high-profile cases to the People Business Partner, working with Store and District Management to ensure the right support and resources are in place
• Review and amend employment policies in line with changes to employment legislation, ACAS codes of practice and business culture. Oversee the delivery of an effective and proactive HR administration service
• Assist in the management of Employment Tribunal claims, including the preparation and collation of documents
• Support with employee consultation, redeployment and termination of employment linked to TUPE and redundancy, ensuring accurate information is provided to Payroll in a timely way
• Support with all aspects of acquisitions in line with TUPE regulations, including drafting briefing documents, letters and contracts for Partners as required, and ensuring Payroll receive the necessary information
• Produce ER activity reports showing case numbers, types and outcomes, and make recommendations to improve Cobra Coffee’s approach to ER management
• Play an active role in recruitment and selection for key roles, supporting District Managers with interviews and working with the Cobra Coffee’s Recruitment Manager
• Undertake project work as directed by the People Business Partner to deliver the People Plan for Cobra Coffee
• Accountabilities will extend across all companies within the Cobra Coffee business, including any future business developments and acquisitions

What we're looking for:

• CIPD qualification (or working towards)
• Experience of working in a HR role with strong ER exposure
• Sound knowledge of UK employment legislation and how to apply it
• Confidence in managing a high-volume and complex workload
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and build relationships
• Problem-solving ability with a proactive and positive approach
• Enthusiastic and committed to supporting Cobra Coffee’s people agenda
• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle
• Experience in an ER specialist role would be advantageous
• Background in high-volume, fast-paced, multi-site environments such as retail or hospitality