Role Overview:
As Senior HR Advisor here at Cumberland Farms, you will support in delivering high‑quality, transactional HR support to our Starbucks Management Teams across 156 stores across the UK. You will ensure consistent, compliant and people centred HR practice. This role is fast‑paced, operational and requires a confident HR professional who can provide clear guidance, manage complex casework and uphold Cumberland Farms’ HR standards while supporting the evolving needs of our Starbucks franchise.
Key Responsibilities:
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Employee Relations Casework — Lead and advise on disciplinaries, grievances, investigations, performance management, capability, and absence management, ensuring all cases are handled fairly, consistently, and in line with policy.
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Policy & Process Guidance — Provide expert advice on HR policies, processes, and procedures, supporting managers to apply them confidently and correctly.
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Maternity, Paternity & Family Leave — Manage and advise on all family‑related policies, ensuring compliance with legislation and providing clear guidance to managers and employees.
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Employment Law & Compliance — Ensure all HR activity aligns with UK employment law, supporting managers with complex queries and escalating risks appropriately.
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Tribunal Preparation — Support with early‑stage tribunal preparation, documentation collation, and liaison with legal partners where required.
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HR Reporting & Systems — Maintain accurate HRIS records, produce reports, and ensure data integrity across all HR systems.
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Stakeholder Support — Build strong relationships with Starbucks Store Managers, District Managers, and Operations Leaders, acting as a trusted HR advisor.
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Change & Agility — Adapt quickly to changing priorities, business needs, and operational demands within a high‑volume retail environment.
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Training & Coaching — Provide coaching and guidance to managers to build capability and confidence in handling people matters.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
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CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) is essential.
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Proven experience in a Senior HR Advisor or HR Advisor role within a fast‑paced, multi‑site or retail environment.
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Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, HR legislation and HR best practice.
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Demonstrable experience managing high‑volume ER casework including disciplinaries, grievances, absence, performance and family leave.
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Experience supporting or preparing for employment tribunals.
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Confident interpreting and applying HR policies, processes and procedures.
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Strong technical capability with Microsoft Office, Zoom and HRIS platforms.
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Ability to work with pace, agility and resilience in an ever‑changing environment.
Key Skills and Behaviours:
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Agility & Adaptability - Thrives in a fast‑moving environment with shifting priorities.
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Relationship Building - Able to influence and support managers at all levels.
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Communication Excellence - Clear, confident and professional communication style.
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Problem Solving - Able to assess risk, propose solutions and make sound recommendations.
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Attention to Detail - Accurate, thorough and diligent with documentation and data.
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Resilience - Comfortable managing challenging conversations and sensitive issues.
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