Job Description

The Role
HR Apprentice - Kickstart Your Career in People Solutions
Department: People Solutions
Location: Leeds / Hybrid (with potential travel across UK sites)
Reports to: International HRIS Manager
Duration: 18 months - Starting January 2026
Your Journey Starts Here
Are you ready to launch a career in HR that's packed with variety, learning, and real impact? At Cox Automotive Europe, our HR Apprentice Programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the full breadth of Human Resources through a structured, hands-on rotational experience.
Over 18 months, you'll rotate through key areas of HR including Operations, Business Partnering, Reward, and Learning & Development. From day one, you'll be part of meaningful projects-starting with our exciting HR Information System (HRIS) transformation programme. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to strategic initiatives, and gain the skills and confidence to thrive in the world of HR.
What You'll Be Doing

• Get stuck into HR Operations: Support recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and respond to employee queries.
• Drive digital transformation: Contribute to our HRIS project, learning about systems, data, analytics, and change management.
• Partner with the business: Shadow HR Business Partners in strategic meetings and employee relations cases.
• Support key HR initiatives: Help deliver projects that shape our people strategy and culture.
• Learn the reward cycle: Assist with compensation processes including benefits, recognition, and bonuses.
• Champion learning: Coordinate training sessions, track attendance, and analyse feedback to improve development programmes.
• Be an Inclusion Ally: Get involved in our Inclusion, Diversity & Equity initiatives and join our Employee Resource Groups.

What You'll Learn

• How HR drives business success, employee engagement, and organisational culture.
• Practical skills in HR systems, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making.
• Project management fundamentals and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

• Mentorship & Support: You'll have a dedicated mentor, regular check-ins, and continuous feedback.
• Real Experience: Work on live projects that make a difference.

Career Foundations: Build a strong base for a future in HR, with exposure to multiple disciplines.
Who we are
Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive service organisation. We
provide dependable solutions that improve performance and profitability
throughout the vehicle lifecycle to manufacturers, fleets, and retailers.
Our businesses are organised around our customers' core needs across vehicle
solutions, mobility, remarketing, funding, and retail.
The Benefits
Testimonials
Aneliese Platts
Senior Designer "The people that work here are what sets Cox Automotive apart. We genuinely work as a team, and I feel the same level of support everywhere in the business. Working here is like a family away from home, but most importantly we have fun whilst doing it!"
Ann Fairbanks
Executive PA & Business Support "I wouldn't be where I am today without Cox Automotive. The company has real culture of learning, pushing the boundaries and making YOU better. It's all built on strong values that are more than just words, they're acted on every single day."
Gemma Hepple
National Operations Manager "In my nine years here, Cox Automotive has allowed me to learn, grow and hone my skills. There's a real commitment to inclusion and diversity and today I am proud to be in what was historically perceived to be a 'man's' role."

Skills Required