Global Trade Operations Manager

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

At AirLife, we are dedicated to improving the quality of every breath. Excellence with Every Breath is not just a tag line, but the way we work and take care of our customers. With a mindset to evolve, innovate, and grow, we are a premier manufacturer of the highest-quality and market-leading breathing consumables. This growth philosophy has positioned us to increase our global footprint and business reach, impacting even more people around the world. Our expanding family of the most trusted brands offers a product portfolio that spans the continuum of care from first responder to home care, with safety, patient comfort, and clinical performance in mind. Collective expertise allows us to provide quality products and experiences to our patients, customers, and our people. Our values of Customer first, Differentiate with our People, Bias for Action, Continuous Improvement and Accountability define who we are and how we work. Join us!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Global Trade will support the Sr. Director Global Trade’s mission to design and implement Trade Compliance processes and systems assuring global standardization, including global trade compliance manual, integration playbook, Customs product valuation determination, product classification (HTS and ECCN), country of origin determination, forwarders instructions, suppliers’ certifications, deny party screening, duty drawback, record keeping, reporting, KPIs tracking, etc.

They manager will be a driver of innovation, simplification, and automation, to support Global Trade Compliance operations process & systems improvement. Implement training tools for the import & export team to ensure accurate and current compliance of international trade regulatory or process change and support the enhancement of team capabilities. This person will be responsible for providing operational leadership to the business and associated training within scope of role. 

This role will coordinate day-to-day trade operations in the US, including compliance with regulatory agencies (e.g. FDA), and:

• Lead all aspects of company compliance with Import/Export laws and regulations.
• Implement and improve trade processes. 
• Supervise and support direct reports.
• Support Global Trade Director to complete projects and initiatives. 
• Support business functions on trade compliance issues.
• Proactively identify and complete tasks and projects that support company objectives and trade.
• Coordinate with customs brokers and other trade agents, ensuring high performance and compliance.
• Conduct compliance assessments and lead remediation activities.
• Lead trade compliance trainings to educate AirLife team members. 
• Coordinate and effectively communicate with government regulators/agencies on inquires, reviews, disclosures, etc.
• Oversee SAP GTS functional responsibility (e.g. classification, screenings, etc.).
• Run reports and perform analyses to support key performance indicator dashboard. 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

The specific minimum competencies needed to perform the essential duties of the job include knowledge, skills, abilities, level of education, and experience necessary for successful performance.   These competencies are generally demonstrated through specific service, education, or training.

Knowledge: 

• Excellent at-risk evaluation and clear communication - cooperate appetite/ risk and documentation.
• Excellent record keeping.
• Build audit and evaluation tools. 
• Experience weighing all the options and prioritizing as needed, recommending/selecting the best course of action.  
• Knowledge in the areas of sanctions, restricted/denied party screening, and due diligence review. 

• At least 5 years' Global Trade management experience, with a demonstrated high level of US rules and regulations.

• Trade program experience, including: Reconciliation, 301 Tariffs, AD/CVD, Drawback, C-TPAT, and ACH
• Working Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean methodologies preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Proficient use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook).
• Experience with MRP systems is required, SAP preferred.
• 5+ years SAP GTS experience.

Skills & Abilities: 

• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and professional interactive skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, associates, other business areas and government agencies as required.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to build, grow and inspire individuals and teams and manage effectively up, down and across an organization. Collaborative management style. Work alongside individual team members as a day-to-day partner in moving the business forward, holding teams accountable for forecasts and other sales objectives. Delegates responsibilities effectively. Recognizes and acknowledges the value others bring to the organization. Exhibits a high level of trust and accountability.

• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Fact-based decision-making style with a pragmatic view of global trade compliance programs.
• Able to plan, prioritize and execute multiple initiatives/deadlines autonomously and shift priorities as necessary. Able to support large, complex projects and coordinate workload around multiple assignments. Uses time effectively.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Develops alternative solutions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Makes timely decisions.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Follows through on commitments.

Level of Experience: 

• 5+ years of Global Trade experience in US

Level of Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years’ experience in international trade import and export management. Specialized knowledge in import compliance, policies, audit procedures, and commodity classification experience. Customs Broker License preferred. MBA/JD a plus.

Travel: 

• While this position will primarily work in an office environment, this position requires travel up to 10%.
• Must possess a valid passport for international travel, as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

The core tasks, duties, and responsibilities that must be performed on the job.

• Lead US AirLife Global Trade team. Ensure excellent, timely accurate, and compliant import and export activities. 
• Support licensing plans and providing guidance for complex licensing strategies and program planning.
• Execute and support global trade strategies, including but not limited to performance metrics; technology, systems, equipment, and facilities; continuous improvements evaluation, GT planning and output; policies & procedures; organizational development, workforce planning and training efforts.
• Manage relationships with key business partners, including internal stakeholders, owned & integrated system developers, parcel and freight carriers, 3PL providers and retail sale partners.
• Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, sales, and S&OP to ensure consistent and smooth inbound and outbound operations.
• Partner with marketing and sales to leverage GT performance as a competitive tool.
• Provide leadership and direction to achieve best in class safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Understand and ensure compliance with regulatory agencies – including, but not limited to DEA, FDA, State Board of Pharmacy, OSHA
• Support Global Trade’s achievement of financial, operational, quality, compliance, employee, and customer results to achieve defined scorecard goals in each area.
• Manage operations priorities; Quick problem solving and decision making.
• Responsible for managing global trade compliance in the US and EU.

OTHER RESPONSIBLITIES

• Focus on achieving our Company mission. 
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness in daily work; look for ways to improve and promote quality & safety. 
• Inspire the trust of others; treat people with respect and dignity and embrace the value of diversity.
• Use time efficiently; perform job accurately, thoroughly, and conserve Company resources to improve profits.
• Contribute to building and maintaining a positive team environment.
• Assure all policies and guidelines are implemented and followed.

QUALITY POLICY

At AirLife, Quality is our promise.  It is our commitment to customer satisfaction and our dedication to product excellence in an evolving global healthcare market. This promise is kept through a continuously improving and effective Quality Management System and compliance to Regulatory Requirements.

DEIA STATEMENT
At AirLife, we are committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities and customers we serve. We believe our philosophy on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advancement (DEIA) encourages excellence and equips us to serve an evolving global marketplace.