Product Safety & Incident Response Counsel

A Career at HARMANAs a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.Introduction: A Career at HARMAN CorporateWe’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Corporate, you are integral to our company’s award-winning success.Enrich your managerial and organizational talents – from finance, quality, and supply chain to human resources, IT, sales, and strategyAugment your comprehensive skillset with expert training across decision-making, change management, leadership, and business developmentObtain 360-degree support throughout your career life cycle, from early-stage to seasoned leader About the RoleIn the role of Product Safety & Incident Response Counsel, you will be responsible for providing counseling and support to HARMAN’s Lifestyle business division (consumer and professional electronics) and its strategic business units (“SBUs”) relating to product liability, safety and consumer protection.You will serve as a strategic legal advisor for the division's SBUs that develop and market products and services. The successful candidate must have the technical know-how to effectively communicate with and advise SBUs on product safety, liability and consumer protection issues that may arise from both new and existing products.You will also proactively identify risks, manage regulatory interactions, and guide cross-functional teams. The successful candidate must be able to timely complete critical assignments with little supervision and must have a good understanding of HARMAN’s business objectives. Your TeamYou will report to VP, Associate General Counsel – Product Excellence & Strategy, of HARMAN’s Legal & Compliance Department. In the role, you will work closely and strategically with senior members of the Legal & Compliance Department and will support divisional and SBU clients.What You Will DoStrategic Product Liability and Regulatory CounselServe as a trusted legal advisor to cross-functional product teams across HARMAN’s business divisions and SBUs on global product liability, safety, and consumer protection lawsProvide guidance on traditional and emerging product liability risks, including hardware-based products, battery-powered consumer electronics, and integrated software-enabled technologiesAdvise on evolving legal frameworks that expand product liability exposure to software, AI-enabled features, and connected technologies, including developments under the EU Product Liability Directive and similar global reformsCounsel business teams on compliance with key regulatory authorities and frameworks, including:U.S. federal and state product safety laws (including Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements)EU product safety and liability regimesMonitor and interpret emerging regulatory trends affecting AI, software-defined products, battery safety, and connected devices, and proactively communicate legal risk considerations to stakeholdersProduct Liability Management and Incident ResponseSupport global product liability risk management strategies, including proactive risk assessments and mitigation planningProvide legal guidance in connection with product safety assessments, investigations, corrective actions, and recall considerationsCoordinate with internal stakeholders and external counsel in managing product-related claims, regulatory inquiries, and disputesAdvise on warranty, indemnification, and related risk allocation issues in collaboration with commercial and supply chain teamsProduct Safety & Liability Advisory in Product DevelopmentCollaborate with division legal teams to provide legal and regulatory guidance throughout the product development lifecycle and review of new technologies, features, and product initiativesAdvise on product safety and compliance requirements, including labeling, warnings, testing, certifications, and consumer protection obligationsDeliver practical, risk-based counsel to mitigate product liability exposure and regulatory riskIncorporate insights from regulatory investigations, product safety assessments, recall planning, product security matters, and emerging regulatory developments, including AI compliance requirementsCompliance SupportSupport the development of policies and procedures related to product safety and consumer protectionMonitor global regulatory developments and update internal guidance to reflect changes in product liability, AI regulation, and consumer protection lawsSupply Chain & Contract ReviewDraft and negotiate commercial agreements with regulatory implications, including supply chain transparency, warranty language, and vendor compliance requirementsWhat You Need to Be SuccessfulUnited States Juris Doctor degree and Bar admission (or equivalent in jurisdiction) Broad base of legal knowledge and experience in product safety, liability and consumer protection Experience managing responses to regulatory investigations and information requestsExperience with reviewing and negotiating supplier and vendor agreements, third-party licenses, end-user agreements, and royalty and license disputes (including audits and settlement agreements)Knowledge of regulatory standards that are relevant to the assigned division, consumer protection laws, and industry certificationsTechnical understanding of the relevant product development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping to manufacturing, distribution, and end-user usageAwareness of emerging technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), AI, wearables, and smart home devices, and how they may impact product design, regulation, and liabilityExperience with managing customer claims and warranties, including creating and managing product warranty programs and refund policies and handling product disputesStrong analytic and project management skillsAbility to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple stakeholdersGood judgment and sound decision-making8 years of relevant (generally in-house or law firm) experience and a law degree from law school6 years of specialized experience in product compliance and counselingCritical Skills RequirementOperational Effectiveness and EfficiencyEffectively prioritizes, delegates, supervises, and monitors work carried out by external legal resources or non-legal project teams to ensure high quality and timely deliveryIdentifies potential legal and compliance issues and consults with senior attorneys to identify a solutionTakes initiative to develop or improve internal company guidance documents, using legal know-how for the benefit of the business and/or legal departmentInfluencing and CommunicatingAble to translate legal issues for business client and explain in a comprehensible manner; possesses diplomacy skillsAble to communicate effectively and enable the sharing of information and resources across the Legal & Compliance Department for the collective benefit of the division or SBUNetworks in the legal industryIs approachable and makes time to support colleaguesCommercial Awareness and Effectiveness Seeks regular feedback and assesses primary client business needs to fully understand business drivers from the beginningPrioritizes resources and effort around key client business deliverablesUses legal experience and knowledge to anticipate client business needs and seeks to add valueBonus Points if You Have Takes initiative to contribute to the improvement of internal processesUses technology and other resources effectively to achieve the most efficient deliveryTakes ownership of tasks, seeking guidance and input from others as appropriateWhat Makes You EligibleBe willing to travel up to 10%, domestic and international travelBe willing to work 3+ days per week in one of HARMAN International's US based office locationsAny offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screenSuccessfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employmentWhat We Offer Access to employee discounts on world class HARMAN/Samsung products (JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, etc.)Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academiesFlexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work life integration and collaboration in a global environmentAn inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal developmentTuition Reimbursement“Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program#LI-Hybrid#LI-JS247Salary Ranges:$ 108,750 - $ 159,500HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.SummaryLocation: Novi - Michigan, USA - Cabot Drive; Richardson - Texas, USA; Sunnyvale - California, USA; Stamford - Connecticut, USA; Northridge - California, USAType: Full time