Manager Real Estate - Real Estate & Workplace Solutions

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Real Estate is responsible for the strategic oversight and administration of the Company’s real estate portfolio across a multi-state service territory. This role leads a team of real estate professionals and external contractors managing property acquisitions and dispositions, lease and license agreements, lease administration, deed and right-of-way records, and third-party land use transactions. The position also oversees the identification and resolution of property and right-of-way encroachments.
The successful candidate provides leadership, business guidance, and portfolio management to ensure real estate transactions and agreements support operational needs, regulatory compliance, financial objectives, and long-term business strategy. This role requires strong collaboration with internal stakeholders, including Legal, Operations, Engineering, Environmental, and Finance teams, as well as external partners and contractors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Real Estate, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, project management, real estate, land administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, contracts, and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience leading teams and external resources.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Earth Pro, SAP, Power BI, FileNET, FileNET Desktop, and experience working with contract management and real estate systems.
• Budget management.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or other advanced degree.
• Experience within the utility, energy, infrastructure, or regulated industry environment.
• Knowledge of property acquisitions, dispositions, easements, deeds, rights-of-way, and payable/receivable lease administration.
• Familiarity with regulatory, environmental, and land-use considerations affecting utility operations.
• Professional certifications related to real estate, project management, or property administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team responsible for the administration of the Company's real estate portfolio across a five-state service territory.
• Oversee the negotiation, execution, and ongoing management of facility leases, rights of entry, licenses, easements, transmission rights-of-way, and other property agreements.
• Direct property acquisition and disposition activities, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Manage receivable lease programs, including contract administration, compliance monitoring, revenue tracking, and stakeholder engagement.
• Review and approve third-party requests involving Company-owned properties, transmission rights-of-way, and related interests.
• Develop and implement strategies for optimizing real estate assets while minimizing risk and controlling costs.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Company policies and procedures.
• Manage relationships with external consultants, surveyors, appraisers, brokers, legal counsel, and contractors.
• Identify, track and resolve as found encroachments in FirstEnergy Operating/Transmission Company Transmission Rights of Ways.
• Establish performance metrics, monitor team effectiveness, and drive continuous process improvements.
• Prepare and present portfolio updates, financial analyses, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning activities related to real estate assets and expenditures.

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