Director of Product Safety & Compliance

THE ROLE
At Great Dane, we rely on makers and we’re calling on them to join our expanding team. The time has never been better to Embrace Your Great and work in an environment with the highest safety standards in the industry.

The Position: The Director of Product Safety & Compliance will be responsible for the administration of products liability lawsuits and claims brought against GDLP, oversight of National Coordinating Counsel as well as local counsel, monitor and implement new and revised governmental / industry regulations and standards, monitor new industry Intellectual properties (IP), manage company’s IPs, and perform other Engineering project work as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL DO
· Upon service of products liability lawsuit (Summons and Complaint), create file and make sure that all parties of notified of new lawsuit (counsel, GDLP management, CCI risk manager, TPA)
· Select and retain local counsel for each lawsuit in coordination with general counsel.
· Examine the subject trailer in each lawsuit to identify the cause of the incident/accident and development a defense strategy.
· Coordinate with general counsel to hire outside consultants as needed. Act as the designated company representative (30(b)(6) witness) and/or fact witness as required. Prepare for and provide deposition and trial testimony for all cases up to the consulting engineer level. Execute affidavits and certifications on behalf of the company.
· Draft responses to interrogatories, requests for production of documents, etc. as is required in lawsuits.
· Research sales, engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance documentation for the subject trailer(s) in each lawsuit.
· Maintain computer and paper case files. Ensure that all parties are kept up to date, ensure that deadlines are met in each lawsuit
· Participate in out of court settlement negotiations with Direct Supervisor, General Counsel, and applicable CCI and insurance personnel.
· Assist Customer Service department to comply with TREAD ACT requirements.
· Update and distribute periodic lawsuit summary documents.
· Manage company’s Intellectual properties and patents.
· Monitor Industry Intellectual property publications.
· Obtain and maintain historical copies of Operator’s and Maintenance Manuals. Review and assist in the revision of these Manuals as necessary.
· Monitor changes and keep up to date with TREAD Act and ensure that GDLP remains in compliance.
· Monitor new and revised governmental regulations and industry recommended practice through attendance of TTMA products liability group meetings, review of written materials provided by TTMA, TMC, and SAE, as well as interactions with other members of the Engineering Management team.
· Provide support as Project Engineer based on available time and priority of engineering projects (both trouble solving and new product development).
· Provide support and education to company Service Managers to develop proper strategies and methods to maintain potential evidence / information in instances where trailers are brought in to Branches for repairs because of obvious crashes – especially accidents that may have resulted in injury or death (e.g., under-ride, etc.).

Your skills and abilities (required qualifications)
Education: Bachelor’s degree Engineering preferred.
Experience: 5+ years’ related trailer industry experience is required.
Professional Engineering certification is preferred.
Skills: Specific experience with GDLP products is preferred.
Expertise in trailer design and development with, specific knowledge of GDLP trailer history. Must have a general knowledge of the developmental evolution of GDLP products, company history, company personnel and duties, as well as knowledge of engineering / manufacturing / quality documentation.
Experience within industry groups such as TTMA, TMC, SAE, etc. and knowledge of industry standards is preferred.
Experience (or desire to learn) legal terms, procedures, and litigation practices is required.
Good organizational skills along with the ability to shift priorities without losing track of goals and/or deadlines is required.
A proficiency at investigation and analysis of detail along with an ability to formulate strategy is required.
Willingness and ability to travel as necessary.
Experience and proficiency at basic computer skills including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) is necessary.
Must be able to straddle the black and white world of Engineering/Science and the nuanced, gray shaded legal world of litigation and compliance – at the same time.
Travel: As needed.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Office and plant environment.
Keyboarding, lifting, standing, bending, walking.
Domestic travel is required generally consisting of approx. 10-15 trips a year with 4-5 trips for meetings (scheduled) and the remainder as necessary (sporadic) based on litigation action.
Primarily office work (75%) with additional time spent in GDLP manufacturing facilities, on-site investigations, and meetings. Much of the office time is spent utilizing the computer and/or reading reports and legal documents.
The unknown aspect of incoming lawsuits provides for a variety of job actions which keeps the position fresh. Priorities fluctuate and many tasks are deadline driven while there are always ongoing projects to fill the in-between times – review and maintenance of files and standards
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT GREAT DANE
With a history dating back to 1900, Great Dane has established itself as a transportation solutions leader of today – delivering innovative products and exceptional services that help our customers and employees succeed. We not only engineer durable and high-quality trailers and truck bodies; we foster relationships that last a lifetime.

WHY WORK FOR US?
Great Dane is a leading manufacturer of dry-freight vans, refrigerated trailers, and flatbeds with 10 manufacturing facilities and 20 service centers throughout the United States. With a legacy like ours comes a dedication to the hard-working individuals that make Great Dane what it is today. Our jobs are waiting to be filled by driven, challenge-focused & enthusiastic people like you.

Our culture is comprised of “Champions” and offers a rewarding workplace rooted in core values of safety, leadership, integrity, quality, and passion. Every employee has opportunities to learn, grow, succeed and be engaged in a collaborative environment.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Competitive compensation
Benefits, including but not limited to dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions
Retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan with employer match
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid holidays and vacation
And more!

Great Dane is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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