Manager Legal Operations - Legal Ethics & Compliance - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an open position with the FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corporation This is a full-time position based in FirstEnergy’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 FirstEnergy’s Legal Department (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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in legal operations, law firm administration, human resources or related roles, with significant leadership experience.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with a proven ability to contribute in a fast-paced, changing work environment while working efficiently and at times, autonomously.
• Strong work ethic and sense of professionalism and discretion, demonstrating accountability, integrity, good judgment, and respect for confidentiality.
• Strong project management and change management skills, including experience leading technology and AI implementation projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
• Possesses strong analytical skills with an ability to marshal evidence to develop strategic recommendations.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across functions and at all organizational levels.
• Experience implementing legal technology solutions, piloting AI applications, and driving process improvements through innovation.
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Leadership and team development
• Operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Change management
• Financial acumen
• Technological proficiency
• Fluency in the application of AI and emerging technologies
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Collaboration and stakeholder management
• Innovative mindset

Nice To Haves

• Prefer demonstrated experience with legal budgeting, operations and/or project management.

Responsibilities

• Operational Strategy and Leadership: 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.
• Financial Management: 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.
• Vendor and Outside Counsel Management: 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.
• Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation: 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.
• Project and Program Management: As assigned by Department leadership, lead cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives within the Department, with a priority on technology-enabled transformation and process digitization. In collaboration with Department leadership, develop and track key performance indicators and metrics to measure the impact of technology, AI initiatives, and other innovations.
• Process Improvement: Assess opportunities to streamline legal processes to enhance efficiency and scalability, utilizing data analytics and AI tools to identify and address bottlenecks. In collaboration with Department leadership, develop and maintain policies, procedures, and playbooks for legal operations, with a focus on digital best practices and AI governance.
• Team Leadership and Development: Coordinate communication and develop agenda for the Department management meetings, all hands meetings, and retreats. Assess and develop knowledge management content and knowledge sharing capabilities within the Department. Assist the Department’s management team to develop personnel management processes, such as attorney onboarding, training, development, and staffing processes to realize organizational efficiencies. Role-model the Company’s core values and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Risk Management and Compliance: In collaboration with Department leadership, ensure compliance with all Company policies, guidelines and financial controls. Support compliance initiatives and risk mitigation strategies, leveraging technology and AI to improve accuracy and response times. Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies, particularly in the adoption and deployment of AI technologies.

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: Manager