Manager Employee Relations & HR Compliance - HR Employee Relations & Compliance - Akron FirstEn

First Energy 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.

First Energy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, First Energy 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 First Energy Service Company, a subsidiary of First Energy Corp. [SC00].

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.

• 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, affirmative 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
  • Lead employee relations and compliance team operations while using data and process improvement to increase consistency, efficiency, and business impact.
  • Provide directions to Employee Relations and HR Compliance staff and oversee core processes.
  • Analyze HR metrics and workplace trends to identify gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities.
  • Support broader HR initiatives such as DEI integration, pay equity reviews, promotion process guidance, and workforce continuity planning.

• 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 work forces, 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,…