Manager Employee Relations & HR Compliance - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred
• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Provide strategic leadership and direct oversight for a team of HR professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, high performance, and continuous development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of seven HR professionals, establishing clear goals, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Conduct regular performance discussions, provide coaching and feedback, and support employee development and succession planning within the team.
• 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.

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• company-sponsored pension plan
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• 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: Manager