Senior Director, Global Trade

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 Senior Director of Global Trade shall design and implement Trade Compliance processes and systems seeking to enable 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, denied party screening, duty drawback, record keeping, reporting, KPIs tracking, etc. 

They will be a driver of innovation, simplification, and automation, to support Global Trade Compliance operations process & systems improvement. Develop 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 leadership to the business and associated training within scope of role.  

This role will develop and monitor a dashboard of key performance metrics measuring all aspects of its operations to optimize efficiencies and ensure on-time and on-target performance of the global trade import and export operations. In addition, this role will hire (as needed), develop, and lead a team of global leaders to ensure the day-to-day effective management of the facilities and other related operations.

General areas of responsibility include Global Trade Compliance (US, MX, EU and APAX), management of worldwide Global Trade team, ensuring timely and accurate trade compliance, quick resolutions of any issues as raised during import/export, and support the Maquila processes as requested. This role is a mix of subject matter expertise in Global Trade, and cross functional communication/influencing/assessment and includes supporting M&A activities.  

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS 

Knowledge:  

• Global leadership responsibility, ability to direct comprehensive Global Trade activities.
• Experience with trade process automation including trade data analytics, and MRP / Global Trade management systems is required - SAP & GTS experience preferred.
• Well-developed strategic planning, business, and financial management skills (i.e., pricing, forecasting, budget planning, etc.).
• Experience integrating acquisitions.  Demonstrated ability to get results quickly.
• Experience and knowledge in the areas of sanctions, restricted/denied party screening, and due diligence review. 
• Track record of building effective audit and evaluation tools. 
• Working Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean methodologies.
• Experience weighing all the options and prioritizing as needed, recommending/selecting the best course of action.  
• Excellent record keeping system establishment.
• Proficient use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook).
• Bilingual preferred.

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 a multi-national 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 and the type of senior executive who comes to the table with a pragmatic view of the marketplace and the opportunities within it, who also recommends solutions at both a strategic and functional level.
• A mastery of organizational and project management skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize and execute multiple initiatives/deadlines autonomously and shift priorities as necessary. Able to manage 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:  

• 10+ years of progressive Global Trade experience in multi-country environments with a demonstrated high level of US and EU rules and regulations

Level of Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years’ experience in international trade import and export. Specialized knowledge in import compliance, policies, audit procedures, and commodity classification experience. Customs Broker License preferred but not required. MBA a plus.

Travel:  

• While this position will primarily work in an office environment, this position requires travel up to 30%.
• 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. 

• Set overall strategy for AirLife Global Trade team. Ensure excellent, timely accurate, and compliant import and export activities.
• Developing licensing plans and providing guidance for complex licensing strategies and program planning.
• Oversee the development and implementation of 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
• Drive achievement of financial, operational, quality, compliance, employee, and customer results to achieve defined scorecard goals in each area.
• Define and drive operations priorities; ensure environment for quick problem solving and decision making.
• Develop Transportation short- and long-term strategies with global partners to handle current and future business requirements to internal and external customers. Support negotiations to achieve the best cost/service mix.
• Analyze growth of operating company against each Distribution Center's facility size and location to accommodate and maintain proper storage, receiving, and shipping capabilities for present and future business. Recommend and implement changes as needed.
• Responsible for the P&L for GT department.
• Support and/or lead consolidation efforts to develop best in class network.
• Responsible for global trade compliance.

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.