Lead Negotiator - HR Labor

FirstEnergy Corp • Akron, OH • 1h ago

JOB DESCRIPTION

Lead Negotiator - Akron

About the Opportunity

This is a position within FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

The Lead Negotiator serves as FirstEnergy's primary resource in labor relations within a set territory, responsible for shaping and executing enterprise-wide labor strategies that align with the company's core values, business objectives, and evolving workforce needs. This role leads high-impact negotiations with assigned unions, oversees the administration of collective bargaining agreements, and fosters collaborative relationships with union leadership and business stakeholders to drive operational excellence and workforce engagement.

This position plays a critical role in advancing FirstEnergy's labor relations philosophy, ensuring compliance, and promoting a culture of transparency, equity, and continuous improvement. The Lead Negotiator partners closely with executive leadership, HR centers of excellence, and operational leaders to develop forward-thinking labor strategies that support organizational agility, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Negotiations & Labor Planning

Lead the development and execution of negotiation strategies for collective bargaining agreements, ensuring alignment with business goals, financial targets, and workforce priorities

Serve as the main spokesperson and strategist in labor negotiations, managing cross-functional negotiation teams and external counsel as needed

Analyze labor market trends, union dynamics, and regulatory developments to inform proactive labor strategies

Contract Administration & Compliance

Oversee the interpretation, application, and implementation of labor agreements, settlements, and arbitration decisions

Ensure consistent and legally sound contract administration across business units, advising leaders on disciplinary actions, contract language, and dispute resolution

Ensure compliance with the National Labor Relations Act and other applicable laws

Grievance & Arbitration Leadership

Direct the grievance and arbitration process, ensuring timely, thorough, and effective resolution of employee concerns

Collaborate with union representatives and internal stakeholders to resolve disputes and foster a constructive labor-management environment

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

Establish strong, trust-based relationships with union leadership, operational management, and HR partners

Act as a strategic advisor to senior leaders on labor relations matters, workforce planning, and organizational change initiatives

Training & Capability Building

Design and deliver targeted training programs for supervisors and managers on labor agreements, contract interpretation, and effective labor relations practices

Promote labor relations knowledge across the organization to enhance leadership effectiveness and compliance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Corporate HR (Compensation, Benefits, Talent) and Legal to ensure labor strategies are integrated with broader HR and business initiatives

Support Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts by embedding inclusive practices into labor relations strategies and negotiations

Communications

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