Manager Legal Operations - Legal Ethics & Compliance - Akron Headquarters

Description

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.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with the First Energy Service Company, a subsidiary of First Energy Corporation.

This is a full‑time position based in First Energy’s Headquarters in Akron, Ohio.

The Manager of Legal Operations is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing and optimizing the business and administrative functions of First Energy’s Legal Department. This role partners with the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and Associate General Counsels (AGCs) to drive operational efficiency, devise and implement best practices, and support the team in delivering high‑quality legal services to the organization. A core aspect of this role is fostering a culture of innovation, and leveraging advanced technology—including artificial intelligence (AI)—to transform legal processes and deliver forward‑thinking solutions.

• Prepare the Department’s strategic plan to reflect the Department’s goals and priorities.
• Lead initiatives to improve processes, systems, and workflows within the Department, including by implementing innovative technologies and AI‑powered tools.
• Serve as a thought partner to the CLO and AGCs, championing an innovation‑driven mindset and encouraging experimentation with emerging solutions.
• Work cross‑functionally with professionals in HR, Finance, IT, and other business units.
• Supervise Department’s administrative staff.

• Develop, track, and report on the Department’s annual and multi‑year strategic operating plans, including budgeting and spend.
• Perform analysis and provide insights into the Department’s ongoing spend management efforts and cost control initiatives, including by using technology to increase efficiency.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for the Department, and assist the Department in meeting or exceeding its budget goals.
• Manage monthly accruals and liaise with team leads, Finance Department, and vendors to ensure accurate accruals.

• Support the Associate General Counsel groups with negotiating and managing vendor contracts and outside counsel relationships, including with data‑based analytics on pricing (including alternative billing arrangements) and ongoing fee management.
• Evaluate vendor performance and oversee the selection process, encouraging the use of AI‑enabled platforms and forward‑thinking service models.
• Support the AGCs’ management of the Department’s billing guidelines, including a review of the guidelines to ensure they remain best‑in‑class.

• Perform a review of the Department’s existing software and systems, and, where appropriate, identify improved software and systems.
• Implement, and manage advanced legal technology solutions (e.g., matter management, e‑billing, contract lifecycle management, e‑discovery, legal analytics, and AI‑driven document review).
• Continuously assess the legal technology landscape, evaluating opportunities to pilot or scale AI applications that enhance productivity, workflow automation, and risk mitigation.
• In collaboration with the AGCs, drive adoption of technology and facilitate ongoing training, ensuring that the Department is equipped to utilize the latest AI and digital tools.
• Collaborate with IT and innovation teams to ensure seamless integration of technology solutions and to promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

• As assigned by Department leadership, lead cross‑functional projects and strategic…