Vice President & Chief Counsel, Americas

About the role

The Vice President & Chief Counsel, Americas serves as the senior legal partner to regional business leadership, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives while enabling business growth. This role is responsible for delivering practical, business-focused legal counsel while building organizational capability and driving consistency across the region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the legal strategy for the Americas aligned to enterprise priorities across both Tools & Outdoor and Stanley Engineered Fastening business units.
• Partner with executive leadership to proactively identify legal risks and business opportunities.
• Balance legal, commercial and operational considerations in strategic decision-making.
• Drive consistency in legal support across countries and business units.
• Lead, develop and coach a high-performing regional legal team, allocate resources to support evolving business priorities, and foster collaboration across legal, compliance and enterprise functions.
• Drive talent, succession planning and organizational capability for the region.
• Serve as the senior legal advisor to regional executive leadership.
• Support commercial growth, strategic initiatives, acquisitions and business transformations.
• Advise on complex legal, regulatory and corporate governance matters, including marketing claims, advertising and pricing.
• Provide practical, business-focused legal counsel that enables growth while appropriately managing risk.
• Oversee significant litigation, investigations and material legal matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Compliance, Privacy, Trade Compliance and Corporate Affairs on enterprise initiatives.
• Escalate significant legal risks appropriately.
• Promote efficient, scalable legal service delivery.
• Champion continuous improvement and process simplification.
• Partner with Legal Operations to improve technology adoption and operational effectiveness.
• Establish operating rhythms and performance expectations across the region.
• Serve as an active member of the Global Legal Leadership Team.
• Collaborate with Regional Counsel leaders to drive consistency across the global legal function.
• Support enterprise initiatives, organizational design and legal transformation.
• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives as assigned by the General Counsel.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have demonstrated “world-class” skills and leadership in a commercial legal leadership role supporting diverse business units. Stanley Black & Decker seeks a hands-on leader with excellent communications skills and executive presence, who thrives in a dynamic, global environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school; active license to practice law.
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience, with significant exposure to commercial business law in a consumer-oriented environment.
• Consumer packaged goods or durables experience is preferred.
• Proven track record in a senior legal counsel or executive role within a multinational commercial organization with a manufacturing footprint is desired.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed legal teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, matrixed global environment.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of legal expertise, business acumen, and strategic thinking to effectively lead the legal function in the Americas region.

Benefits

The salary offered within the range may vary depending on multiple factors including job level, geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience and in compliance with local wage requirements. Please note that salary is only one component of total rewards at Stanley Black & Decker. The salary range listed in this job posting reflects the range for the primary location specified. The salary range may vary for other locations. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual merit increases.

You will receive a competitive salary and a great benefits plan, including:

• Medical, dental, life, vision, wellness program, disability, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
• Discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and other partner programs.

And More: We want our company to be a place you’ll want to be – and stay. Being part of our team means you get to:

• Grow: Be part of our global company with 20+ brands to grow and develop your skills along multiple career paths.
• Learn: Have access to a wealth of learning resources, including our digital learning portal.
• Belong: Experience an awesome place to work, where we have mutual respect and a great appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Give Back: Help us continue to make positive changes locally and globally through volunteerism, giving back, and sustainable business practices.