Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations

CAI Cox Automotive Corp Svcs., LLC; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

Cox Automotive is seeking a Senior Manager, Employee & Labor Relations to oversee the ER function across the U.S., guiding a team of ER professionals and shaping proactive labor relations programs. The role focuses on risk mitigation, employee engagement, and collaboration with legal and communications teams.

The position supports a hybrid work arrangement and requires residence within the Eastern or Central time zones, with up to 15% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with extensive Employee/Labor Relations experience.
• Experience with U.S. labor laws and NLRA rules.
• Direct experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong data storytelling and stakeholder influence abilities.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Employee Relations professionals with coaching and performance management.
• Conduct sensitive investigations and provide guidance on labor relations matters.
• Identify trends and design programs to improve engagement and reduce risk.
• Monitor regulatory changes and brief senior leadership with insights.
• Partner with Employment Counsel and Communications to implement readiness plans.
• Support negotiations and re-negotiation of collective bargaining agreements as needed.

Skills

Labor relations knowledge

Union negotiations

Communication skills

Leadership and coaching

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

HR or Labor Relations certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group People Solutions Job Profile Sr Manager, Employee Relations Management Level Sr Manager - People Leader Flexible Work Option Can work remotely but need to live in the specified city, state, or region Travel % Yes, 15% of the time Work Shift Day 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.

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 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.

Drug Testing

To be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.

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.

Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.

Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship. EOE, including disability/vets Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.

Cox brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Cox vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.