HR Business Partner

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy is seeking an experienced HR leader to support its enterprise-wide executive functions. This role will involve partnering with senior leaders to shape the organizational culture and employee experience.

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in HR strategy, data analysis, and change management, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. As part of the leadership team, you will drive initiatives that align with business priorities and enhance workforce effectiveness.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, leading teams preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices and employment law.
• Expertise in analyzing HR data for actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior executives to design and execute people strategies.
• Oversee HR data analysis and reporting for actionable insights.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

HR Strategy Development

Employee Relations

Performance Management

Talent Planning

Change Management

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline

Master’s degree

Job description

This role will support First Energy’s enterprise-wide executive functions (Corporate, Operations, Utilities and Shared Services). The HR leader will be responsible for partnering with senior and executive leaders and their associated functions on all things strategy, engagement and culture. In this role, you will have the opportunity to partner directly with your business leaders, shaping culture, setting an operational rhythm and being an advocate for the employee experience. This role truly will be shaping how HR interfaces with the company and presents numerable opportunities to define, refine and co create the people experience with First Energy.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with senior executives to design and execute people strategies that enable business priorities, workforce planning, and organizational design.
• Provide expert guidance to leadership on employee relations, performance management, talent planning, succession management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Oversee HR data analysis and reporting to provide actionable insights on engagement, attrition, succession coverage, and workforce health.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by embedding measurable goals into hiring, leadership development, succession planning, and advancement.
• Guide leadership through change management initiatives including reorganizations, integrations, and large-scale cultural or operational shifts.
• Facilitate enterprise-wide HR processes such as performance reviews, compensation cycles, and engagement surveys, ensuring alignment and accountability across business units.
• Act as a role model for FirstEnergy’s values, prioritizing integrity, safety, and operational excellence in all decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive HR experience: Experience in leading teams is preferred.
• Proven ability to advise and influence senior executives, build credibility as a trusted advisor, and implement people strategies that impact business outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices; utility or regulated industry experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, with success in organizational design, workforce planning, and cultural transformation.
• Expertise in analyzing HR data and presenting clear, actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.