Employee Relations & Ethics Manager

Cox Enterprises • Atlanta, IN

7d • $92,300 - $153,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cox Automotive is seeking an Employee Relations & Ethics Manager to provide guidance, support, and recommendations on employee relations issues, with a primary focus on ethics and compliance investigations, escalated employee relations matters, auditing investigation work, and identifying labor and employee relations trends to inform proactive strategies and training. The role works closely with management, HR Business Partners, Legal, and other internal teams to promote a consistent, equitable, and positive employee experience aligned with company values. The manager handles multiple issues and competing stakeholder needs in a fast-changing environment.

Atlanta, Georgia is the preferred location, with a hybrid arrangement. Candidates outside Atlanta but within the Eastern or Central U.S. time zones may be considered for remote employment. The role requires travel up to 15% of the time, as needed for investigations. Compensation includes a base salary range of $92,300 to $153,900, with the possibility of additional incentive compensation. Employment is contingent on clearing a pre-employment drug test; the company does not currently test for marijuana for this position, but prohibits the use, possession, or impairment by drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours or on company property or in company vehicles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business management, or a related field, and 6 years of relevant employee relations or human resources experience; alternative combinations listed are a master’s degree and 4 years of experience, a Ph.D. and 1 year of experience, or 10 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 when resolving issues.
• Exceptional coaching, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong influencing skills and ability to advise HR Business Partners and all levels of management on recommendations for resolving 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 be currently 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.
• Must clear a pre-employment drug test.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Serve as an ethics, compliance, and employee relations subject matter expert by advising on employee concerns and conduct investigations, and by objectively synthesizing information in a timely manner.
• Perform and document investigations and other matters according to Employee Relations team processes and guidelines.
• Partner with the Employee Relations team, people leaders, HR Business Partners, Legal, and other departments on recommendations for resolving inquiries, concerns, and investigations in line with company values.
• Champion compliance by interpreting company policies and processes, supporting consistent application, and educating employees and stakeholders as needed.
• Own assigned employee relations and ethics and compliance cases in the case management system and/or Ethics Hotline, documenting findings according to best practices.
• Monitor employee sentiment and concerns through engagement surveys and other tools; identify trends and risks for reporting through a Labor & Employee Relations heatmap, dashboard, or other reporting solutions.
• Identify and address opportunities to improve employee engagement and maintain a compliant workplace.
• Partner with HR Business Partners to promote a positive, open employee relations climate and timely resolution of issues.
• Assist with information gathering for legal complaints and charges.
• Conduct case audits and support reviews and optimization of Sr. ERBP investigation materials and work product.
• Contribute to the development of investigation processes and protocols that improve efficiency and consistency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible paid vacation, subject to duties, company needs, and obligations.
• Seven paid holidays per calendar year.
• Up to 160 hours of paid wellness time annually for the employee’s or family members’ wellness.
• 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 retirement planning, including a 401(k).
• Potential paid sick leave and other paid days off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager