Manager Employee Relations & HR Compliance - HR Employee Relations & Compliance - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

FirstEnergy is seeking an experienced HR Employee Relations Manager to join their 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.
• 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.
• Experience managing HR compliance across multiple states is preferred.
• SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP
• SPHR or PHR
• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist)
• CHRC (Certified Human Resources Compliance Professional)
• Labor Relations Certification

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.
• 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.

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• 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: Manager