Manager Real Estate - Real Estate & Workplace Solutions at FirstEnergy in Akron, OH

Job description

FirstEnergy at a Glance We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts. About the Opportunity This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [SC00] Position Overview 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. Key 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. Qualifications Required 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. Preferred MBA or other advanced degree. Experience within the utility, energy, infras