Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group People Solutions Job Profile Sr Manager,
Benefits
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, 5% of the time
Work Shift
Day Compensation Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $122,600.00 - $204,400.00. 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. Job Description Cox Automotive is currently seeking a Senior Manager, Absence & Accommodations to join our team. Candidates must reside within the Eastern or Central time zones of the United States. Atlanta, GA is the preferred location and operates under a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates located elsewhere within the Eastern or Central time zones will be considered for remote employment.
Job Summary
The Senior Manager, Absence & Accommodations leads the strategy, compliance, and delivery of Cox Automotive’s (CAI) absence and accommodations programs. This role requires deep expertise in federal and state regulations, including FMLA, ADA, FMCSA, PWFA, and Workers’ Compensation, as well as internal leave and accommodation policies, to ensure compliant and effective administration of applicable benefits. Serving as the subject matter expert (SME) and trusted advisor, this leader provides strategic direction, guidance, and support to the CAI Absence & Accommodations Operations team, Employee Service Center (ESC) teams and leaders, Legal, and other key stakeholders. The role also leads large-scale, enterprise-wide initiatives, develops and operationalizes best practices, and builds strong stakeholder partnerships to optimize operational effectiveness and enhance the employee experience.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Oversight Manages a team of multi-level Absence & Accommodations advocates responsible for the end-to-end administration of leave, accommodation, and claims management processes across CAI. Leads Absence & Accommodations activities related to mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and business transitions, including due diligence, operational readiness, risk assessment, and integration planning. Oversees M&A-related claims transitions, ensuring accurate transfer of eligibility data, utilization history, and leave status for both in-house and third-party administrator (TPA) managed populations. Interprets and operationalizes requirements within union Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), implementing process enhancements in partnership with the Labor Relations Center of Excellence. Develops and implements operational processes to support compliance with federal regulations, including but not limited to FMCSA, OFCCP, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation requirements. Partners cross-functionally with Environmental Health & Safety, Workers’ Compensation, DOT, Legal, HR Compliance, and other stakeholders to design and execute integrated Absence & Accommodations workflows. Establishes and maintains governance, quality, and compliance frameworks to mitigate risk and ensure operational excellence and audit readiness. Serves as the escalation point for complex leave and accommodation matters, driving resolution and continuous improvement across both in-house and TPA-supported processes. Translates enterprise strategy into scalable operational plans, standardizing best practices and driving consistency across the Absence & Accommodations lifecycle. Acts as a trusted advisor to HR leaders and business stakeholders on Absence & Accommodations policies, compliance requirements, and operational best practices to support an exceptional employee experience. Operational Excellence and Process Improvement Oversees end-to-end leave and accommodation programs, including FMLA, STD, ADA, LTD, Workers’ Compensation, and company leave policies, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and alignment with organizational objectives. Develops scalable processes, procedures, and tools that drive consistency and efficiency across both in-house and TPA managed absence and accommodations programs. Identifies, designs, and implements process improvements to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and overall effectiveness of Absence & Accommodations operations. Establishes, monitors, and continuously refines operational KPIs, service level standards, and compliance controls to ensure a high-quality employee experience and regulatory adherence. Applies deep subject matter expertise to the design, implementation, and optimization of transactional and service delivery processes across the Absence & Accommodations lifecycle. Drives operational innovation and continuous improvement through the strategic use of AI-enabled solutions, workflow automation, intelligent case management, and enhanced cross-functional collaboration. Stakeholder Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration Partners closely with HR Technology, Benefits, Compensation, Payroll, and the ESC to identify, design, and implement technology enhancements and integrated workflows that support evolving business needs. Contributes to the development and execution of operational strategies, policies, and practices that drive quality, efficiency, compliance, and service excellence across the organization. Collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders to share insights, resolve recurring challenges, and identify opportunities for process optimization, service improvements, and technology innovation. Training and Change Management Maintains comprehensive program documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), knowledge articles, and resource materials to support Absence & Accommodations teams, employees, leaders, and key stakeholders. Develops and enhances training materials, job aids, and communication strategies to support new processes, regulatory changes, policy updates, and technology implementations across the organization. Data Analysis, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement Develops and maintains reporting and dashboards for U.S. and Canadian Absence & Accommodations functions, using key metrics to assess operational delivery, compliance, vendor performance, and employee experience for internal and external stakeholders. Uses quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, develop recommendations, implement operational improvements, and influence enterprise strategy. Provides operational insights to leadership by analyzing trends across claims management activities, escalations, transitions, and service delivery performance. Performs reporting related to service levels, quality assurance, escalations, and overall operational performance to support continuous improvement. Monitors TPA escalations and shares relevant insights with leadership to support vendor performance management. Contributes to the development and completion of OFCCP Affirmative Action reporting requirements, as applicable. Serves as a delegate and cross-functional support partner for Absence & Accommodations operations, initiatives, and stakeholder needs.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field and 8 years’ progressive experience in Human Resources. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and 6 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 3 years’ experience; or 12 years’ related experience. 3+ years’ experience in a management or leadership role. Proven experience leading leave of absence, accommodations, and/or HR operations programs in a complex organization. Advanced knowledge of leave and accommodation laws, including FMLA, ADA, and related regulations.
Experience
leading complex, cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives. Strong background in process improvement, change management, and stakeholder engagement. Ability to influence and build partnerships across all organizational levels, including executives. Excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities. Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Preferred Qualifications
PHR or SPHR certification. PMP certification. 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.
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.