Manager Employee Relations & HR Compliance - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with company match

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

FirstEnergy is seeking an experienced HR Employee Relations Manager to lead employee relations and HR compliance across multiple states in a large unionized utility. The role oversees policies, investigations, and risk management while partnering with legal and HR teams to deliver data-driven HR solutions aligned with corporate goals.

The ideal candidate has strong labor relations knowledge, advanced employment law understanding, and a track record of coaching leaders, managing performance, and

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressive HR experience, including employee relations and HR compliance.
• Experience supporting unionized workforces with knowledge of collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience managing HR compliance across multiple states is preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading workplace investigations and developing practical HR policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee relations strategy and case management across multiple states with union presence.
• Oversee HR compliance programs, policy governance, and audits across jurisdictions.
• Provide leadership support, coaching, and training on harassment prevention, performance management, and leadership development.
• Coach and develop a seven-person HR team, setting goals, expectations, and development plans.
• Advise leaders on employee relations matters, investigations, and risk assessment.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor relations

HR compliance

Analytical skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

JOB DESCRIPTION

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

Preferred work location is Akron, OH

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [SC00]

Reposted; expires on 5/21/25. Those that have applied previously, need not apply again.

All employees who apply for a posted position must notify their supervisors that they have applied. Employees who have not been in their current positions for at least one year or who are in a position with specific requirements beyond one year, must obtain approval from their supervisor before applying.

The selected candidate may be offered a position within the same job family, at a level that is lower than what was posted. This will be determined based upon the results of the interview process which considers the candidate’s skills, work history, experience level, and other relevant qualifications.

About The Opportunity

This is for an open position with the FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [SC00]

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced HR Employee Relations Manager to join our team. This role provides strategic leadership for employee relations and HR compliance across a multi-state electric utility with 15 unions. The position oversees HR policies, procedures, and compliance programs, and manages employee concerns. The ideal candidate will have strong labor relations experience, deep knowledge of employment law, and a proven ability to lead with data-driven insights and strategic HR solutions that align with organizational goals and deliver measurable results.

Core Responsibilities

• Employee Relations Strategy and Case Management Lead the employee relations function across a multi-state, unionized utility environment by advising leaders on complex employee matters and ensuring fair, consistent resolution of workplace issues.
  • Manage employee complaints, grievances, workplace disputes, and investigations.
  • Serve as a neutral advisor to leaders and employees on conflict resolution and corrective actions.
  • Guide disciplinary actions, terminations, and performance improvement plans with sound judgment and consistency.
• HR Compliance, Policy, and Risk Management Oversee HR compliance programs and policy governance to ensure adherence to employment laws, regulatory requirements, and company standards across jurisdictions.
  • Develop, review, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook content.
  • Manage compliance programs such as EEO, ADA, Affrimative Action, background checks, harassment prevention, and required reporting.
  • Partner with HR and legal teams to address compliance risks, interpret regulations, and support audits or investigations.
• Leadership Support, Performance Management, and Training Equip leaders with practical HR guidance, tools, and training that strengthen accountability, improve team effectiveness, and support a respectful workplace culture.
  • Advise leaders on coaching, counseling, and performance management practices.
  • Design or support training on harassment prevention, communication, performance management, and related workplace topics.
  • Partner with leadership to improve morale, retention, and organizational readiness during change.
• Team Leadership, Analytics, and Continuous Improvement Provide strategic leadership and direct oversight for a team of HR professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, high performance, and continuous development. Leadership is essential in this role, requiring the ability to coach, develop, and influence both team members and organizational leaders while driving workforce effectiveness and business results.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of seven HR professionals, establishing clear goals, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Equip leaders with practical HR guidance, tools, and training that strengthen accountability, improve team effectiveness, and support a respectful workplace culture.
• Advise leaders on coaching, counseling, employee relations matters, and performance management practices.
• Conduct regular performance discussions, provide coaching and feedback, and support employee development and succession planning within the team.
• Design or support training on harassment prevention, communication, performance management, leadership effectiveness, and related workplace topics.
• Partner with leadership to improve employee engagement, morale, retention, and organizational readiness during periods of change.
• Influence business leaders through strong partnerships and consultation, helping build leadership capability and drive a high-performance culture across the organization.
• Serve as a role model for leadership behaviors, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and results-oriented work environment.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • Seven or more years of progressive HR experience, including significant responsibility in employee relations and HR compliance.
  • Experience supporting unionized workforces, with working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations practices.
  • Experience managing HR compliance across multiple states is preferred.
  • Demonstrated success leading workplace investigations, resolving complex employee issues, and developing practical HR policies and processes.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, and related compliance requirements.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to manage sensitive investigations, assess risk, and provide sound, balanced recommendations.
  • Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
  • High level of discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment when handling confidential matters.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, apply policy consistently, and build trusted relationships across the organization.

Preferred Certifications

• SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP
• SPHR or PHR
• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist)
• CHRC (Certified Human Resources Compliance Professional)
• Labor Relations Certification
• Knowledge of CLD certifications

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

Position Classification

Exempt

ABOUT US

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.