At a Glance
- Tasks: Support early careers through coaching, mentoring, and programme development.
- Company: Join Autotrader, the UK's leading automotive marketplace with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, share options, 28 days holiday, and comprehensive health cover.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding future talent in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in early careers programmes and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
About us
You’ve probably heard of Autotrader, but do you know what we’re all about? We’re the UK’s leading automotive marketplace, a heritage brand, and a tech darling of the stock market. We bring together vehicle buyers and sellers to give them real choices. Cars may be what we're best known for but we’re also the place for pretty much everything else on wheels, from e-bikes to caravans. In the automotive world, change is a constant, that’s why we take our job of untangling the complex car-buying journey very seriously. At our core, we’re all about people. We go our own way while embracing diversity and celebrating our differences. We dedicate ourselves to the idea that we work better together. Autotrader is a beautiful, surprising and vibrant place to work. We might not be for everyone, but we could be perfect for you.
About the job
We’re looking for an Early Careers Advisor to join our friendly People & Culture team based in our Manchester office. You might think being a car enthusiast is a must for this role, but that’s not the case! Instead, we are looking for someone with a genuine passion for supporting people as they begin, or change, their career. You’ll work as part of a small but dedicated Early Careers team. The team is responsible for delivering and evolving our early careers programmes, which currently include apprenticeships (levels 3–6) across multiple pathways—with a focus on Software Developer and Sales Executive level 4 standards—as well as a graduate programme, internships, T-Level placements, and outreach.
You’ll work closely, and build strong relationships with, different business areas, managers, external providers, and the wider people & culture team—including our L&D, Resourcing, and People Partnering teams—to ensure seamless coordination and support for early careers programmes. You’ll coach and guide our early careers colleagues, as well as their managers and mentors. From onboarding and safeguarding to performance and development, you’ll ensure they achieve milestones, complete learning objectives, and receive the right level of support to enable high performance in their roles. Externally, you will work with training providers, educational institutions, STEM and tech communities to actively raise awareness of future talent initiatives, helping to attract a wider range of candidates ensuring our programmes remain innovative and inclusive.
What we're looking for
- An understanding of early careers programmes—including apprenticeships, internships, graduate programmes, and T Level placements
- Confident in coaching, mentoring, and supporting both early career colleagues and managers/mentors, developing strong relationships and driving positive outcomes for both groups
- Experience of working with training providers and education establishments, building long-term partnerships, setting clear performance expectations, and conducting regular progress reviews to ensure programme quality and learner success
- Experience designing and delivering outreach activities, onboarding and workshops for early careers colleagues and students
- An understanding of the legal and funding frameworks around skills levy and apprenticeships, safeguarding policies and educational pathways in England
- Demonstrated strong organisational, prioritisation and diary management skills within a fast-paced environment
- You’ll be a natural communicator and networker, able to forge strong partnerships within the people team and cultivate meaningful relationships across the wider business and educational institutions
- You’ll be proactive, curious, and community-minded—someone who asks great coaching questions, shares ideas, and embraces feedback
- Experience working in early careers within the Tech or Digital industry is desirable
We value adaptability, humility, and decisiveness. If you’re someone who can pivot with change, make learner-focused decisions, and contribute to a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you.
During our application process, you will be asked two questions to help us learn more about you and how you align with our values. These will be used as part of our selection criteria, to determine if we progress your application further.
Benefits
We’re offering a salary of £35,000 – £40,000 plus an additional 10% of your salary awarded to you in shares each year. These awarded shares will become yours in yearly instalments over the next three years, and you can choose to either sell them or keep them as shares. You'll have 28 days holiday per year, and that's in addition to bank holidays and half day closures on Christmas and New Year's Eve. That’s not all. You'll be enrolled in our pension scheme, where our standard contributions are 7% and employee contributions are 5%. We also have comprehensive private medical cover, enhanced family leave provisions, a car salary sacrifice scheme, share-save options, and much more. We always want to give you the support you need and help prioritise your wellbeing, that’s why we provide access to 24/7 online GP and dentist, as well as specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans and lots more. On top of all that, our hybrid model, Connected Working, combines the best of both worlds – office and home working. You’ll have two fixed weekly office days for team collaboration and one more of your choice to suit your work-life balance. Additionally, we have our remote-first periods at set times during summer and winter. During these periods, you can work remotely anywhere in the UK and from certain locations abroad.
Early Careers Advisor in Manchester employer: Autotrader
Autotrader is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester where innovation thrives. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide opportunities for mentorship and collaboration across teams, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes share options and generous holiday allowances. Our hybrid work model ensures flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of consumer products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Careers Advisor in Manchester
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Autotrader!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Autotrader.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Careers Advisor in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Autotrader. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Autotrader and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Autotrader. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Autotrader's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autotrader
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Autotrader.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Autotrader will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Autotrader and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
