Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations

Cox Enterprises • Atlanta, IN

4d • $111,500 - $185,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cox Automotive is seeking a Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations to lead its Employee Relations investigation function and oversee the company’s proactive labor relations strategy across the United States. The role leads a team of Employee Relations professionals and oversees a sustainable Positive Employee Relations (PER) program focused on proactive employee engagement, guidance on labor relations matters, and risk mitigation. The role partners with the Director of Employee & Labor Relations on designing and implementing action plans.

Atlanta, Georgia is the preferred location, with a hybrid arrangement. Candidates must live in the Eastern or Central time zones; those outside Atlanta but within those time zones may be considered for remote employment. Travel is up to 15%. The position works day shift. Compensation includes a base salary of $111,500 to $185,900 and may include incentive compensation.

The position requires a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently test for marijuana as part of the pre-employment test for this role, but prohibits possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours or on company property or in company vehicles. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 8 years of progressive Employee Relations and Labor Relations experience; alternatives include 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 in 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 efficiently and 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 functional areas.
• Ability to think strategically and act tactically.
• Ability to 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience within 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 through day-to-day guidance, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Conduct sensitive or escalated investigations.
• Identify trends with the Director of Employee & Labor Relations and other team management, and support programs and initiatives that promote positive employee relations, improve management practices, and increase employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Monitor 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 and train others to deliver it.
• 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.
• Partner with Employment Counsel, Communications, and internal and external 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.
• Parental leave.
• Potential health care insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Potential 401(k) retirement planning.
• Paid days off, including sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO.

What This Job Offers

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