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Building a better future for this generation and the next.
The Role
Leads employee relations investigations and a U.S.-wide labor relations strategy. Manages Employee Relations professionals, handles escalated investigations, advises leaders on labor matters, supports union negotiations and collective bargaining agreements, monitors legal and regulatory developments, develops positive employee relations programs, delivers training, and partners with legal, communications, HR, and external stakeholders on labor risk and readiness.
Summary Generated by Built In
Cox Automotive is currently looking for a Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations to join our team. Atlanta, Georgia is the preferred location for this role, which follows a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates must reside within the Eastern or Central time zones of the United States. Candidates located outside of Atlanta but within the Eastern or Central time zones will be considered for remote employment.
The Role:
The Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations provides operational oversight for the Employee Relations investigation function, leading a team of Employee Relations professionals, and oversees the Company's proactive labor relations strategy across the U.S., including executing and overseeing a sustainable Positive Employee Relations (PER) program focused on proactive employee engagement strategies, providing guidance on labor relations matters, and, in partnership with the Director of Employee & Labor Relations, designing/implementing action plans to mitigate risk.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
USD 111,500.00 - 185,900.00 per year
Compensation:
Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $111,500.00 - $185,900.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.
Benefits:
The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company's needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
EOE, including disability/vets
The Role:
The Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations provides operational oversight for the Employee Relations investigation function, leading a team of Employee Relations professionals, and oversees the Company's proactive labor relations strategy across the U.S., including executing and overseeing a sustainable Positive Employee Relations (PER) program focused on proactive employee engagement strategies, providing guidance on labor relations matters, and, in partnership with the Director of Employee & Labor Relations, designing/implementing action plans to mitigate risk.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, develop, and manage a team of Employee Relations professionals, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
- Conduct sensitive or escalated investigations.
- In partnership with the Director of Employee & Labor Relations and other Employee Relations team management, identify trends and support the creation and implementation of programs and initiatives to support 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 regarding same.
- Partner with the legal function to develop, implement, and lead rapid response plans to address activism incidents and third-party activity.
- Advise Positive Employee Relations Advisors, other HRBPs, and leaders on labor relations matters.
- Deliver Positive Employee Relations training for managers and other labor relations training/education and train others to deliver such training.
- Support local HR and internal and external counsel in the interpretation and routine re-negotiation of any existing collective bargaining agreements.
- Support, identify, and facilitate regular team learning and professional development opportunities.
- Partner collaboratively with Employment Counsel, the Communications team, and other 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 support.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in related discipline and 8 years of progressive Employee Relations and Labor Relations experience. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 6 years of experience; a Ph.D. and 3 years of experience; or 12 years' experience in a related field.
- 3+ years' experience in which the individual assigned and prioritized others' work, reviewed and approved final deliverables, and provided performance input, including feedback and coaching.
- Understanding of U.S. labor and employment laws and guidelines; including specific proficiency in National Labor Relations Act rules and precedent.
- Direct experience working with labor unions, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements.
- Experience working with quantitative and qualitative data and using it to tell a compelling, relevant story.
- Team player with superior customer focus and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities efficiently and effectively.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience maintaining confidential information.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
- Familiarity with employee engagement and offboarding survey tools.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and 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 located outside of Atlanta, ability to work successfully in a fully remote environment, with periodic travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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.
USD 111,500.00 - 185,900.00 per year
Compensation:
Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $111,500.00 - $185,900.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.
Benefits:
The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company's needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
EOE, including disability/vets
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and 8 years of progressive Employee Relations and Labor Relations experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- At least 3 years of experience assigning and prioritizing work, reviewing deliverables, and providing performance 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 compelling and relevant insights
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidential information
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Familiarity with employee engagement and offboarding survey tools
- Ability to work cross-functionally and collaboratively
- 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
- Experience within a centralized Employee Relations model
- HR or Labor Relations certification
- Experience using advanced technology for remote meetings and training
- Experience and interest in using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Claude
What the Team is Saying
Belinda
Manager of Network Automation
Tonya
Director of Agile Delivery
Chris
Manager of Engineering Support & Delivery
John Chapman
National Client Sales Director, Cox Automotive
Kib Yahyehyrab
Audit Analysis, Cox Enterprises
Jenny Arias
Marketing & Events Assistant, Cox Farms
Cox Enterprises Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan options, preventive care, prescription coverage, telehealth, and dental/vision are highlighted alongside HSA/FSA support. Feedback suggests coverage quality and affordability are strengths for many.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a company match is repeatedly emphasized, and the employer match is often viewed as a notable advantage. Feedback suggests this is a potentially valuable long-term financial benefit.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave, fertility coverage, adoption assistance, and subsidized backup childcare form a broad family-support offering. Feedback suggests these programs are a meaningful differentiator for caregivers.
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The Company
What We Do
Cox Enterprises is a family-owned enterprise spanning 125+ years of innovation. Through our diverse network of businesses, our people are shaping the future with bold thinking, cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Across a range of industries — including automotive, agriculture, cleantech, journalism and more — we’re building a better future for this generation and the next. Make your mark at Cox!
Why Work With Us
Founded in 1898, Cox Enterprises is a community of kind, grounded individuals who work together to drive positive change across vital industries. At Cox, employees experience meaningful work, great benefits, work-life balance and a supportive team environment, plus ample opportunities for career growth across our family of businesses.
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About our Teams
Cox Enterprises Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
Flexible
