Director, Global Trade and Operations Strategy
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
August 19, 2026
On-site
Madison, WI
Operations
Responsibilities
- Design and evolve Arrowhead’s global trade and operating model (importer-of-record/exporter-of-record structures, legal entity setup, intercompany flow design, ex-U.S. supply pathways).
- Lead country activation (operating model, supply pathway, and trade documentation) with Regulatory, Commercial, Finance, Tax, and Legal.
- Anticipate footprint changes as the business expands internationally.
- Align the operating model with the global physical supply network.
- Own and enhance the global trade compliance framework (import/export policies and procedures aligned with U.S. CBP, OFAC, DEA, FDA and relevant international agencies/programs).
- Maintain governance, risk assessments, monitoring, internal controls, and executive reporting.
- Ensure internal controls for classification, valuation, licensing, documentation, restricted party screening, sanctions compliance, and country-of-origin.
- Advise leadership on trade/geopolitical developments; establish KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
- Implement tariff mitigation/duty optimization (First Sale for Export, duty drawback, FTAs, Foreign Trade Zones as applicable).
- Support logistics service provider onboarding/qualification and ensure adherence to trade policies.
- Lead and develop a global trade compliance team; drive training and accountability.
- Partner with IT/Supply Chain on scalable processes/systems (including SAP), process harmonization, and global trade management system initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (supply chain, business, operations, engineering, life sciences, or related).
- 10+ years biotech/pharma experience; 5+ years in trade compliance, global supply chain operations, operating model design, or related.
- Experience with import/export controls, customs compliance/HTS, country-of-origin, Incoterms, sanctions/OFAC, FTAs, and IOR/EOR structures.
- 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. pharmaceutical supply chain and regulations.
- Cold chain qualification, security, anti-diversion/anti-counterfeit experience.
- New product launch experience (specialty launch strongly preferred).
- Expansion from rare disease to larger patient populations (desirable).
- Leadership in global cross-functional teams.
- Business case development, total landed cost analysis, contract negotiation, financial acumen.
- Strong written/presentation/proactive communication; ability to translate complexity into executive decisions.
- Willingness to travel domestically/internationally.
Preferred
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA/Master’s).
- Passion for science-driven storytelling and RNAi mission.
- Experience developing operations network strategies for a growing global market.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.
Application instructions
- Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.
- Design and evolve Arrowhead’s global trade and operating model (importer-of-record/exporter-of-record structures, legal entity setup, intercompany flow design, ex-U.S. supply pathways).
- Lead country activation (operating model, supply pathway, and trade documentation) with Regulatory, Commercial, Finance, Tax, and Legal.
- Anticipate footprint changes as the business expands internationally.
- Align the operating model with the global physical supply network.
- Own and enhance the global trade compliance framework (import/export policies and procedures aligned with U.S. CBP, OFAC, DEA, FDA and relevant international agencies/programs).
- Maintain governance, risk assessments, monitoring, internal controls, and executive reporting.
- Ensure internal controls for classification, valuation, licensing, documentation, restricted party screening, sanctions compliance, and country-of-origin.
- Advise leadership on trade/geopolitical developments; establish KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
- Implement tariff mitigation/duty optimization (First Sale for Export, duty drawback, FTAs, Foreign Trade Zones as applicable).
- Support logistics service provider onboarding/qualification and ensure adherence to trade policies.
- Lead and develop a global trade compliance team; drive training and accountability.
- Partner with IT/Supply Chain on scalable processes/systems (including SAP), process harmonization, and global trade management system initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (supply chain, business, operations, engineering, life sciences, or related).
- 10+ years biotech/pharma experience; 5+ years in trade compliance, global supply chain operations, operating model design, or related.
- Experience with import/export controls, customs compliance/HTS, country-of-origin, Incoterms, sanctions/OFAC, FTAs, and IOR/EOR structures.
- 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. pharmaceutical supply chain and regulations.
- Cold chain qualification, security, anti-diversion/anti-counterfeit experience.
- New product launch experience (specialty launch strongly preferred).
- Expansion from rare disease to larger patient populations (desirable).
- Leadership in global cross-functional teams.
- Business case development, total landed cost analysis, contract negotiation, financial acumen.
- Strong written/presentation/proactive communication; ability to translate complexity into executive decisions.
- Willingness to travel domestically/internationally.
Preferred
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA/Master’s).
- Passion for science-driven storytelling and RNAi mission.
- Experience developing operations network strategies for a growing global market.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.
Application instructions
- Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.