Director, Global Trade and Operations Strategy
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
August 19, 2026
On-site
Los Angeles, CA
Operations
The Director, Head of Global Trade Operations and Strategy is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing Arrowhead’s global trade compliance program while shaping trade-related strategy to support growth across R&D, manufacturing, clinical, and commercial activities.
Responsibilities
- Design and evolve the global trade and operating model (importer-of-record/exporter-of-record structures, legal entity setup, intercompany flows, ex-U.S. supply pathways).
- Lead country activation by defining operating model, supply pathway, and trade documentation for each market.
- Anticipate and enable footprint changes as international presence expands.
- Partner with Global Network & Risk to align the operating model and physical supply network.
- Own and continuously enhance global trade compliance framework (import/export policies and procedures aligned with U.S. CBP, OFAC, DEA, FDA and relevant international agencies).
- Maintain governance model (risk assessments, monitoring, internal controls, executive reporting).
- Ensure internal controls for classification, valuation, licensing, restricted party screening, sanctions compliance, and country-of-origin determinations.
- Embed trade compliance strategy into network design, sourcing, product launch plans, and international expansion.
- Implement tariff mitigation/duty optimization (First Sale for Export, duty drawback, FTAs, Foreign Trade Zones as applicable).
- Monitor regulatory/trade/geopolitical developments; advise on business impacts and risks.
- Establish KPIs; support due diligence/onboarding of Logistics Service Providers.
- Lead and develop a global trade compliance team; communicate priorities and drive accountability.
- Enable scalable processes/systems (including SAP), lead process harmonization and GTM system initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (supply chain, business, operations, engineering, life sciences, or related).
- 10+ years in biotech/pharma; at least 5 years in trade compliance, global supply chain operations, operating model design, or related.
- Experience with import/export controls, customs compliance, HTS classification, country-of-origin, Incoterms, sanctions/OFAC, FTAs, importer/exporter-of-record.
- Experience designing/evolving operating models (legal entities, intercompany flows, country activation).
- Hands-on GxP distribution compliance (GDP, DSCSA, EU FMD, serialization/track-and-trace).
- Strong knowledge of U.S. and ex-U.S. pharma trade/distribution; cold chain qualification, supply chain security, anti-diversion/anti-counterfeit.
- New product launch experience (specialty pharma preferred).
- Ability to build/lead global cross-functional teams; total landed cost/business case/contract negotiation and structured problem-solving.
- Highly organized with strong written/presentation/proactive communication; travel domestically/internationally as needed.
Preferred
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or Master’s).
- Passion for science-driven storytelling and interest in RNAi therapeutics.
- Experience developing operations network strategies for a growing global market.
Benefits/Pay
- Wisconsin pay range: $190,000–$220,000; California pay range: $215,000–$240,000.
- Competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.
Responsibilities
- Design and evolve the global trade and operating model (importer-of-record/exporter-of-record structures, legal entity setup, intercompany flows, ex-U.S. supply pathways).
- Lead country activation by defining operating model, supply pathway, and trade documentation for each market.
- Anticipate and enable footprint changes as international presence expands.
- Partner with Global Network & Risk to align the operating model and physical supply network.
- Own and continuously enhance global trade compliance framework (import/export policies and procedures aligned with U.S. CBP, OFAC, DEA, FDA and relevant international agencies).
- Maintain governance model (risk assessments, monitoring, internal controls, executive reporting).
- Ensure internal controls for classification, valuation, licensing, restricted party screening, sanctions compliance, and country-of-origin determinations.
- Embed trade compliance strategy into network design, sourcing, product launch plans, and international expansion.
- Implement tariff mitigation/duty optimization (First Sale for Export, duty drawback, FTAs, Foreign Trade Zones as applicable).
- Monitor regulatory/trade/geopolitical developments; advise on business impacts and risks.
- Establish KPIs; support due diligence/onboarding of Logistics Service Providers.
- Lead and develop a global trade compliance team; communicate priorities and drive accountability.
- Enable scalable processes/systems (including SAP), lead process harmonization and GTM system initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (supply chain, business, operations, engineering, life sciences, or related).
- 10+ years in biotech/pharma; at least 5 years in trade compliance, global supply chain operations, operating model design, or related.
- Experience with import/export controls, customs compliance, HTS classification, country-of-origin, Incoterms, sanctions/OFAC, FTAs, importer/exporter-of-record.
- Experience designing/evolving operating models (legal entities, intercompany flows, country activation).
- Hands-on GxP distribution compliance (GDP, DSCSA, EU FMD, serialization/track-and-trace).
- Strong knowledge of U.S. and ex-U.S. pharma trade/distribution; cold chain qualification, supply chain security, anti-diversion/anti-counterfeit.
- New product launch experience (specialty pharma preferred).
- Ability to build/lead global cross-functional teams; total landed cost/business case/contract negotiation and structured problem-solving.
- Highly organized with strong written/presentation/proactive communication; travel domestically/internationally as needed.
Preferred
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or Master’s).
- Passion for science-driven storytelling and interest in RNAi therapeutics.
- Experience developing operations network strategies for a growing global market.
Benefits/Pay
- Wisconsin pay range: $190,000–$220,000; California pay range: $215,000–$240,000.
- Competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.