At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage employee relations and create a positive workplace culture.
- Company: Join Lithia UK, a leading automotive retailer focused on people and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, competitive salary, car allowance, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of growth, inclusivity, and fun at Lithia UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting colleagues and driving change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in employee relations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Employee Relations Manager (Hybrid, mostly remote with the expectation to attend Group HR meetings. The typical meeting locations for this role are Nottingham and Milton Keynes so the successful candidate must be willing to travel to these locations).
Basic salary up to £50,000 with bonus, car allowance, family PMI, pension, life assurance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), exclusive company discounts on used car purchases and aftersales services.
At Lithia UK, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to grow and evolve, we’re looking for an experienced and people-focused Employee Relations Manager to lead our Employee Relations team and help deliver an exceptional colleague experience across the business. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a highly visible role where you’ll influence decision-making, support leaders across the business, and play a key part in creating fair, consistent and commercially focused people practices. If you’re passionate about employee relations, enjoy solving complex challenges, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Employee Relations Advisors, creating a supportive and high‑performing environment.
- Oversee the management of a wide range of employee relations cases, including absence management, disciplinary, grievance, performance, probation and appeals.
- Provide expert, commercially focused ER advice to managers and stakeholders across the business.
- Manage and resolve complex and high‑risk ER matters, balancing legal compliance with business objectives.
- Handle Employment Tribunal cases from initial stages through to resolution, working closely with external legal partners.
- Act as a subject‑matter expert on organisational change activity, including restructures, redundancies, TUPE and changes to terms and conditions.
- Identify trends, risks and capability gaps through ER metrics and case insight, providing recommendations to People Partners and senior leaders.
- Oversee the ER case management system (Zendesk), ensuring accurate case tracking, reporting and data integrity.
- Build strong relationships with external employment law solicitors and manage those partnerships effectively.
- Support sponsorship and visa‑related processes where required.
- Review, update and create policies, procedures, handbooks and manager guidance in line with legislation and best practice.
- Deliver workshops, coaching and training sessions to upskill managers and improve confidence in handling people matters.
- Support wider People & Culture projects and initiatives that enhance colleague experience and operational effectiveness.
Are You Ready to Embrace the Challenge?
What we’re looking for:
- Strong and up‑to‑date Employee Relations knowledge, with proven experience managing complex ER cases and confidently applying UK employment law in a practical, business‑focused way.
- Previous experience leading, coaching and developing a team, creating a positive and high‑performing culture where people feel supported and empowered.
- Excellent decision‑making and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess risk, challenge constructively and make balanced, fair and commercially sound recommendations.
- A proactive, positive and adaptable “can do” attitude, with the confidence to take ownership, drive solutions and thrive in a fast‑moving environment.
- Exceptional organisation skills and attention to detail, able to manage multiple priorities, maintain accuracy and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Experience using ticketing systems or case management platforms (such as Zendesk), ensuring cases, updates and reporting are consistently accurate and well managed.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly and influence managers at all levels of the business.
- High levels of confidentiality, professionalism and integrity, with experience handling sensitive people matters with discretion and care.
- Confidence creating policies, guidance and manager resources, as well as supporting workshops and training initiatives to improve consistency across the business.
- Must hold a full UK Driving Licence.
What we can offer you:
- Enjoy 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), giving you more time to relax, recharge, and do what you love.
- Celebrate your special day with an extra day off on your birthday.
- Our industry‑leading Family Leave Policies ensure you’re supported when it matters most.
- Access a new car through our Salary Sacrifice scheme and enjoy a smarter way to drive.
- Take a paid day to volunteer and give back to a cause close to your heart.
- We believe in recognising dedication and loyalty, that’s why we celebrate long‑service milestone anniversaries.
- Unlock your potential with tailored training and endless career growth opportunities.
- Commute for less with our cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Access high‑street discounts to make the everyday a little more rewarding.
- Know someone perfect for Lithia UK? Earn rewards through our internal referral scheme.
At Lithia UK, our growth is powered by our people: As one of the largest automotive retailers globally, we’re passionate about transforming the future of personal transportation and setting new standards for exceptional customer experiences. Our values—Earn Customers for Life, Improve Constantly, Take Personal Ownership, and Have Fun!—fuel everything we do. Join us, and you’ll be part of a team that embraces innovation, champions personal growth, and celebrates success together. If you’re ready to make an impact in an environment that empowers you to drive change, we’d love to have you with us on this journey.
Lithia UK are an equal opportunities employer, and we are proud members of Automotive 30% Club, Diversity in Retail and Inclusive Companies. We welcome all applications regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, marital status, socio‑economic background or Veteran status. We will also consider qualified applicants with prior criminal convictions, in accordance with the law. We want your recruitment journey to be unique to you and as accessible as possible. If you need any additional support with your application or have specific requirements at any stage, please let us know via email: UK_resourcing@lithia.com. Our team will be happy to support you throughout every stage of the process.
Employee Relations Manager in Nottingham employer: Lithia UK
At Lithia UK, we prioritise our people and foster a dynamic work culture that champions personal growth and innovation. As an Employee Relations Manager, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Lithia UK on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common Employee Relations scenarios. Think about how you'd handle complex cases and be ready to share your experiences. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your people skills! During interviews, focus on how you've built relationships and supported teams in the past. Remember, it's all about creating a positive culture, so let that shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company. We love that enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employee Relations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex ER cases and your knowledge of UK employment law, as these are key aspects we're looking for.
Showcase Your People Skills:We want to see how you lead and develop teams! Share examples of how you've created a supportive culture and empowered your colleagues. This will help us understand your people-first approach.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity and attention to detail, so make sure your application reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lithia UK
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law, especially as it relates to employee relations. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, particularly in managing complex ER cases.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading and developing teams. Share specific examples of how you've created a supportive culture and empowered your team members to excel in their roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past challenges you've faced in employee relations and how you navigated them, balancing legal compliance with business needs.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves influencing stakeholders, practice building rapport during the interview. Be personable and engage with your interviewers, showing that you can communicate effectively at all levels of the business.
