Employee Relations & Ethics Manager

Cox Communications•Atlanta, GA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cox Automotive is hiring an Employee Relations & Ethics Manager to provide guidance, support, and recommendations on employee relations issues, with a primary focus on investigating ethics and compliance matters and escalated employee relations matters. The role audits investigation output and work product, tracks labor and employee relations trends, and supports proactive strategy and training efforts. The manager partners with leaders, HR Business Partners, Legal, and other internal teams to promote a consistent, equitable, and positive employee experience aligned with company values. The role manages multiple issues and competing stakeholder needs in a fast-changing environment. Atlanta, Georgia is the preferred location, with a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates elsewhere in the Eastern or Central U.S. time zones may be considered for remote employment. Travel may be required up to 15% of the time, including for investigations. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business management, or a related field and six years of relevant employee relations or human resources experience. Cox will also consider combinations including a master’s degree and four years of experience, a Ph.D. and one year of experience, or ten years of experience in a related field. The role requires direct experience handling employee relations matters, advanced knowledge of investigations, labor relations, ethics and compliance requirements, and employment laws, along with strong communication, coaching, conflict resolution, judgment, and data interpretation skills. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment drug test. The company does not currently test for marijuana for this position; its drug-free workplace policy prohibits possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property, or in company vehicles. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business management, or a related field and six years of relevant employee relations or human resources experience; alternatively, a master’s degree and four years of experience, a Ph.D. and one year of experience, or ten years of experience in a related field.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Direct experience handling all aspects of employee relations matters, including intake, review, and resolution.
Advanced knowledge of workplace investigations, labor relations, ethics and compliance requirements, and state and federal employment laws.
Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels and across exempt, non-exempt, corporate, and field roles.
Exceptional coaching, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
Strong influencing skills and ability to advise HR Business Partners and management at all levels on employee concerns and issues.
Experience working with or advising executive leadership.
Ability to work independently with urgency and effective prioritization.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information.
Ability to collect, understand, interpret, and share data.
Ability to travel up to 15% as needed for investigations.
For candidates outside Atlanta, ability to work successfully in a fully remote environment with periodic travel as required.
Must clear a pre-employment drug test.
Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship; OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT, and visa sponsorship are not available.

Nice To Haves

PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification.
Experience with Service Now or other web-based case management systems.
Experience with AI tools such as Claude or Microsoft Copilot.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Serve as an ethics, compliance, and employee relations subject matter expert; advise on employee concerns and conduct investigations.
Perform and document investigations and other matters in accordance with Employee Relations processes and guidelines.
Partner with Employee Relations, people leaders, HR Business Partners, Legal, and other departments on recommendations to resolve inquiries, concerns, and investigations.
Promote compliance by interpreting company policies and processes, supporting consistent application, and educating employees and stakeholders.
Own assigned employee relations and ethics and compliance cases in the case management system and/or Ethics Hotline, and document investigation findings.
Monitor employee sentiment and concerns, identify trends and risks, and present findings through a Labor & Employee Relations heatmap, dashboard, or other reporting solutions.
Identify opportunities to improve employee engagement and support maintenance of a compliant workplace.
Partner with HR Business Partners to promote a positive and open employee relations climate and timely resolution of issues.
Assist with information gathering for legal complaints and charges.
Conduct case audits and support review and optimization of Sr. ERBP investigation materials and work product.
Contribute to the development of investigation processes and protocols to improve efficiency and consistency.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Flexible paid vacation, as consistent with job duties and company needs.
Seven paid holidays per calendar year.
Up to 160 hours of paid wellness time annually for the employee or family members.
Bereavement leave.
Time off to vote.
Jury duty leave.
Volunteer time off.
Military leave.
Parental leave.
Potential health care insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Potential 401(k) retirement plan.
Paid days off, including sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO.
The position may be eligible for additional compensation through an incentive program.