Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations

Cox Communications • Atlanta, GA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Cox Automotive is seeking a Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations to provide operational oversight of the Employee Relations investigation function and lead a team of Employee Relations professionals. The role also oversees the company’s proactive labor relations strategy across the United States, including a sustainable Positive Employee Relations (PER) program focused on employee engagement, labor relations guidance, and risk mitigation.

Atlanta, Georgia is the preferred location, with a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates must live in the Eastern or Central time zones. Candidates outside Atlanta but within those time zones may be considered for remote employment. The role requires travel up to 15% of the time and reports to the Director of Employee & Labor Relations through partnership on strategy and action plans. This is a senior people-leader position.

The compensation range is $111,500–$185,900 in base salary. Pay may vary based on location and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. The position may also be eligible for incentive compensation. Employment is contingent on clearing a pre-employment drug test. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 8 years of progressive Employee Relations and Labor Relations experience; alternatively, a master’s degree and 6 years of experience, a Ph.D. and 3 years of experience, or 12 years of experience in a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience assigning and prioritizing others’ work, reviewing and approving final deliverables, and providing performance input, feedback, and coaching.
• Understanding of U.S. labor and employment laws and guidelines, including proficiency with National Labor Relations Act rules and precedent.
• Direct experience working with labor unions, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience using quantitative and qualitative data to develop a compelling, relevant narrative.
• Strong customer focus and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience maintaining confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Familiarity with employee engagement and offboarding survey tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions, think strategically while acting tactically, and lead, consult with, and influence business leaders.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.
• 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 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a centralized Employee Relations model.
• HR or Labor Relations certification.
• Strong ability to use advanced technology for remote meetings and training.
• Experience and interest in using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Claude.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage Employee Relations professionals, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Conduct sensitive or escalated investigations.
• Work with the Director of Employee & Labor Relations and other Employee Relations managers to identify trends and support programs and initiatives that promote positive employee relations, improve management practices, and increase employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Monitor and analyze external trends and regulatory changes, and provide updates and insights to senior leadership.
• Partner with Legal to develop, implement, and lead rapid-response plans for activism incidents and third-party activity.
• Advise Positive Employee Relations Advisors, HR business partners, and leaders on labor relations matters.
• Deliver Positive Employee Relations and other labor relations training for managers and train others to deliver training.
• Support local HR and internal and external counsel in interpreting and routinely renegotiating existing collective bargaining agreements.
• Identify and facilitate regular team learning and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with Employment Counsel, Communications, and other stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive readiness plans.
• Perform other duties as requested, including supporting employee relations investigations, HR compliance activities, and policy and compliance training.

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 or family members.
• Bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
• Benefits for eligible employees may include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement planning; and paid sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation, wellness days, and/or PTO.

What This Job Offers

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