Director, Product Liability and Risk

Stanley Black & Decker•Towson, MD

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work at the Towson campus minimally three days a week. The Director, Safety Assurance is a member of the Legal Team, reporting to the VP, Assistant General Counsel, and Head of Global Litigation. This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of product liability claims and litigation and governmental regulatory activity for product safety across all product lines. The Director also leads a team of Safety Assurance Managers, collaborating with cross-functional teams to shape company-wide product safety standards and drive continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and compliance initiatives. The company is a global leader with approximately 43,500 diverse professionals, known for brands like DEWALT®, BLACK+DECKER®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, CUB CADET®, and HUSTLER®. Joining the team means working in an innovative, tech-driven, and highly collaborative environment, impacting iconic brands and contributing to the company's mission of empowering makers, doers, protectors, and everyday heroes. The company is committed to advancing the manufacturing trade through innovative technology and its Industry 4.0 Initiative, ensuring products and services provide greater quality to customers and greater environmental and social value to the planet. It has a rich history dating back to 1843 and is evolving into a vibrant, diverse, global growth company.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
15+ years of progressive experience in engineering design, development, testing, quality, or manufacturing of power tools, hand tools, outdoor products, battery packs, chargers, small electrical appliances, or related products.
Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire teams.
Demonstrated leadership in product safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance at a senior or executive level.
Hands-on experience with a wide variety of company products and advanced knowledge of materials, fire cause and origin, forensic product inspection, standards, and compliance agency testing/approvals.
Comprehensive understanding of company structure, operations, and product lines.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale safety initiatives.
Willingness to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree or equivalent advanced education preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and mentor the team of Safety Assurance Managers providing leadership, development, and performance management.
Oversee and direct investigations into product safety issues, ensuring timely escalation and resolution of critical matters.
Assist in the development and implementation of enterprise-wide product safety strategies, policies, and programs.
As assigned, represent the company in applicable industry trade groups, standards committees, and governmental regulatory agencies.
Provide executive guidance to corporate departments regarding product safety reviews, regulatory compliance, and corrective actions.
Review and approve product manuals, packaging, warnings, and marketing materials for safety and regulatory compliance.
Provide guidance on safety standards for product design, testing, and quality assurance, collaborating with corporate Engineering, Quality, and business units.
Assist with ongoing compliance with national and international product safety regulations such as ISO, CE, UL, and industry-specific standards.
Direct legal and claims/litigation support, including expert testimony, discovery responses, deposition, trial testimony, and strategic case development.
Oversee and support product recalls, ensuring effective risk mitigation and stakeholder communication.
Travel as required for accident/fire scenes, laboratory inspections, depositions, trial preparation, and industry representation.

Benefits

Competitive salary
Medical
Dental
Life insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
401(k)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Paid time off, including paid vacation, holidays & personal days
Tuition reimbursement
Programs & benefits in support of your well-being (wellness program)
Discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and other partner programs
Access to a wealth of learning resources, including our digital learning portal
Opportunity to grow and develop skills along multiple career paths
Awesome place to work, where we have mutual respect and a great appreciation for a wide range of perspectives and experiences
Opportunity to make positive changes locally and globally through volunteerism, giving back, and sustainable business practices
Discount programs for many other vendors and partners
Access to state-of-the-art learning resources, including our Lean Academy and online university (where you can get certificates and specializations from renowned colleges and universities)