Lead Negotiator - HR Labor

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a position within FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. The Lead Negotiator serves as FirstEnergy’s primary resource in labor relations within a set territory, responsible for shaping and executing enterprise-wide labor strategies that align with the company’s core values, business objectives, and evolving workforce needs. This role leads high-impact negotiations with assigned unions, oversees the administration of collective bargaining agreements, and fosters collaborative relationships with union leadership and business stakeholders to drive operational excellence and workforce engagement. This position plays a critical role in advancing FirstEnergy’s labor relations philosophy, ensuring compliance, and promoting a culture of transparency, equity, and continuous improvement. The Lead Negotiator partners closely with executive leadership, HR centers of excellence, and operational leaders to develop forward-thinking labor strategies that support organizational agility, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration or related discipline required
• Minimum 7 years professional work experience required
• Labor relations experience including Chief Spokesperson experience preferred
• Experience in all aspects of human resources, employee relations, company/union relations and employment law
• Proven leadership and demonstrated knowledge, skill and experience in contract language/negotiations, arbitration, grievance, employment/labor law
• Experience in the administration of the grievance and arbitration processes
• Experience preparing cases for arbitration is required
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Proven ability to work and communicate with all levels of the organization from the hourly employees to executive management
• Ability to translate legal/labor law, contract, policies to coach managers in resolving day-to-day issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Above average computer and systems knowledge (HRIS, MS Office and Outlook)
• Demonstrated change leadership
• Ability to identify the “big picture” and set strategy yet extrapolates to the tactical
• Detail-oriented with very strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

Nice To Haves

• JD or master’s degree preferred
• experience in presenting arbitration cases preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of negotiation strategies for collective bargaining agreements, ensuring alignment with business goals, financial targets, and workforce priorities
• Serve as the main spokesperson and strategist in labor negotiations, managing cross-functional negotiation teams and external counsel as needed
• Analyze labor market trends, union dynamics, and regulatory developments to inform proactive labor strategies
• Oversee the interpretation, application, and implementation of labor agreements, settlements, and arbitration decisions
• Ensure consistent and legally sound contract administration across business units, advising leaders on disciplinary actions, contract language, and dispute resolution
• Ensure compliance with the National Labor Relations Act and other applicable laws
• Direct the grievance and arbitration process, ensuring timely, thorough, and effective resolution of employee concerns
• Collaborate with union representatives and internal stakeholders to resolve disputes and foster a constructive labor-management environment
• Establish strong, trust-based relationships with union leadership, operational management, and HR partners
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leaders on labor relations matters, workforce planning, and organizational change initiatives
• Design and deliver targeted training programs for supervisors and managers on labor agreements, contract interpretation, and effective labor relations practices
• Promote labor relations knowledge across the organization to enhance leadership effectiveness and compliance
• Partner with Corporate HR (Compensation, Benefits, Talent) and Legal to ensure labor strategies are integrated with broader HR and business initiatives
• Support Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts by embedding inclusive practices into labor relations strategies and negotiations
• Lead labor-related employee communications, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with organizational messaging
• Support change management efforts related to labor agreements, organizational restructuring, and workforce transitions

Benefits

• 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
• skills development training with tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior