Director, Global Customs & Trade Compliance

Role Summary

Director of Global Customs & Trade Compliance based in New Brunswick, NJ. Lead our customs strategy and ensure adherence to international trade regulations. Drive global alignment, optimize duty savings, and manage compliance across all operations. Collaborate with regional teams to develop and implement effective trade strategies that support the global supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Influence and execute the strategic direction for global customs compliance.
• Process Optimization: Partner with Regional Compliance Leads to standardize and optimize global trade activities, policies, and procedures.
• Training & Development: Design and deliver training programs to enhance customs compliance capabilities across the enterprise.
• Duty Savings: Lead initiatives to maximize duty savings through strategic use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Free Trade Zones (FTZs), and other duty reduction programs.
• Audit & Partnership: Establish global frameworks to support participation in government partnership programs (e.g., C-TPAT, AEO) and ensure continuous audit readiness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a key partner to internal teams (Tax, Legal, Finance) and external partners to align on global trade strategies.
• Product Classification: Oversee the assignment of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications for products and commodities.
• Senior Support: Serve as the primary backup to the Executive Director, ensuring continuity of leadership and strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in global trade compliance, with a strong background in a highly regulated industry, preferably biopharma.
• Proven ability to interpret complex government regulations and translate them into actionable business strategies.
• Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring geographically dispersed, diverse teams.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Experience in managing customs audits and engaging with government enforcement authorities.
• Knowledge of and experience with certifications such as C-TPAT, AEO, and FTZ is essential.
• US Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) is preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree is required; Master's or advanced degree is preferred.