Senior Manager Product Safety

Position Description

Develops and manages strategic direction concerning product compliance, product safety including evaluation of current and future global regulations and industry standards that may affect existing products and future product plans.   Ensures that business operations, products and services are compliant with applicable global regulations and industry standards for both products and facilities.  Partners with counsel to advise the company on emerging Product Safety standards and/or regulations impacting our products and their adoption.

Job Responsibilities

1. Supports strategic and long term planning to align corporate-wideProduct Safety and Regulatory Compliance requirements, systems, training and support.

2. Manages and develops systems and strategies to assess and reduce exposure and minimize risk; provides global regulatory interpretations and guidance to all businesses.

3. Oversees and manages all product certifications to ensure permits are obtained and remain current. 

4. Oversees chemical and restricted substances policies and programs, ensuring that accurate information about use of restricted chemicals is properly distributed to customers, consumers and regulatory agencies.

5. Provides business leaders with timely communication on regulatory developments and updates, through presentations and key business meetings. 

6. Represents the company with governmental agencies, trade and industry organizations regarding, product safety and regulatory compliance, and supports customer and investor inquiries on compliance related matters. 

7. Leads interfacing with all aspects of the company to assist in ensuring that Product Risk Assessments are conducted in a consistent manner on all products.

8. Serves as liaison with governmental agencies and trade organizations regarding product safety matters, acting as point of contact for in house counsel and investigates claims, retains claims adjusters and other experts, and assists local and national counsel in resolving product liability claims and lawsuits, including making settlement recommendations.

9. Oversees service and warranty trends, open claims and lawsuits in order to ensure matters are investigated and resolved in a timely manner.

10. Performs full range of managerial responsibilities which may include but not be limited to: interviewing, hiring, coaching and developing employees; selecting and managing service providers; planning, assigning and directing work; EEO/AA, performance management, department budget, including leading through subordinate managers.

11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Skills Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of global, product safety standards and/or regulations, product safety evaluation techniques, and testing methods

• Strong knowledge of fundamental end product design and operation, manufacturing processes and an understanding of how process variables may affect product compliance

• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills

• Strong team building skills with the ability to stimulate change, build consensus, and interface with all levels within the organization

• Ability to develop and maintain capital and operational budgets 

• Strong decision-making skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize issues and meet established deadlines with minimal supervision 

• Experience in site inspection, answering interrogatories, production of documents and testifying via depositions and/or court 

• Significant expertise conveying technical presentations and using spreadsheet, database, word processing software,

• Fluent in English and primary language used in area of responsibility and/or location

Education

Experience Requirements

• Minimum seven years of working experience in a related field

• Minimum three years of management experience preferred 

Physical & Environmental Requirements