Manager Employee Relations & HR Compliance - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

Core Responsibilities: Employee Relations Strategy and Case Management 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. HR Compliance, Policy, and Risk Management 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. Leadership Support, Performance Management, and Training 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. Team Leadership, Analytics, and Continuous Improvement 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. Advise leaders on coaching, counseling, employee relations matters, and performance management practices. Conduct regular performance discussions, provide coaching and feedback, and support employee development and succession planning within the team. Design or support training on harassment prevention, communication, performance management, leadership effectiveness, and related workplace topics. Partner with leadership to improve employee engagement, morale, retention, and organizational readiness during periods of change. 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.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.

Experience: 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.

Skills: 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.