At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global Trade Services strategy and ensure compliance in a dynamic logistics environment.
- Company: Cencora, a leader in global logistics and storage services.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture with comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with international travel opportunities and executive-level responsibilities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in trade services while working with a talented team.
- Qualifications: 8-10+ years in trade or logistics, strong leadership and financial skills required.
The predicted salary is between 110500 - 220990 £ per year.
This role supports Cencora's global logistics and storage services marketed through the World Courier business. Reporting to the Vice President of Services, the Director – Trade Services Solutions is accountable for the strategic direction, profitable growth, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence of World Courier's Trade Services portfolio.
The position provides enterprise level leadership across regions and functions, and in close collaboration with Finance and other Cencora business units, to design, scale, and optimize trade related services that address current and future customer needs while ensuring flawless execution in a highly regulated environment. The role is classified as compliance critical and carries executive responsibility for ensuring continuous compliance with all applicable corporate, divisional, and regulatory requirements. This role is available on a hybrid basis, European or UK location preferred. The successful candidate will require access to a World Courier office location to work on a hybrid basis.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership & Service Line Ownership: Owns the global Trade Services strategy, including the evolution and reassessment of offerings such as Importer of Record and other trade‑related value‑added services. Sets the long‑term vision and roadmap for Trade Services, translating strategy into clear commercial, operational, and financial objectives, and drives profitable growth and operational scalability.
- Financial & Commercial Accountability: Partners closely with Finance throughout the service development lifecycle to ensure adherence to financial policies, governance standards, and best‑in‑class performance. Accountable for overall financial management of the Trade Services portfolio, including budgets, project accounting, financial planning, expense control, and achievement of agreed targets.
- Solution Design & Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Leads the development of Trade Services solutions, including importer of record, enhanced liability frameworks, order‑to‑cash models, tax and duty optimization, and future trade‑related service offerings. Ensures strong alignment across Operations, Quality, Legal, Tax, Pricing, Sales, and Customer Service to enable compliant and operationally viable Trade Services solutions.
- Client & Market Engagement: Acts as senior sponsor for strategic customer relationships and complex trade‑related opportunities, supporting business development, bid defenses, issue resolution, and deal closure. Engages directly with key clients, prospects, and partners at critical stages of the Trade Services commercial lifecycle.
- Partnerships & External Relationships: In collaboration with the VP of Services and Finance leadership, develops and oversees strategic partnerships and suppliers that enhance the Trade Services value proposition, ensuring contractual compliance and risk management.
- Compliance, Risk & Governance: Ensures all Trade Services solutions comply with local customs regulations, trade legislation, legal requirements, and Cencora AB Risk & Compliance policies. Works with Legal, Tax, and Regulatory Affairs to identify and manage compliance, financial, and reputational risks.
- Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Drives adoption and adherence to Trade Services processes across Operations and Customer Service teams, champions a culture of continuous improvement, and oversees regular reporting on Trade Services KPIs.
- People Leadership & Organizational Impact: Provides leadership and mentorship to direct and indirect teams, promotes development, succession planning, and capability building, and partners with Human Resources to align people practices with company standards.
- Acts as a senior escalation point for Trade Services and is available outside normal working hours in exceptional or emergency situations when required. Flexibility and availability to travel internationally as business needs require.
- Proven senior leader with 8–10+ years of relevant experience managing complex, regulated trade, customs, or logistics‑related services. Strong understanding of logistics, clinical trial supply chains, 3PL operations, and associated trade and customs frameworks, preferably in healthcare or life sciences.
- Advanced financial acumen to assess trade‑related cost structures, risk, and profitability. Deep knowledge of trade compliance principles, governance frameworks, and regulatory environments.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Logistics, Healthcare, or Business Administration; Master’s degree preferred.
- Strategic thinker with demonstrated success scaling global service lines in regulated environments. Strong influencing skills suited to matrixed, multinational organizations.
- Executive‑level communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capability.
- Strong analytical and data‑driven mindset with experience linking trade, operational, and financial performance. Ability to represent the company in senior internal and external trade, regulatory, and customer forums.
- Desirable Experience within pharmaceutical or life sciences trade and customs environments. Exposure to importer of record, customs brokerage interfaces, and regulatory trade models. Familiarity with sustainable and compliant trade practices.
We provide compensation, benefits, and resources that enable a highly inclusive culture and support our team members' ability to live with purpose every day. In addition to traditional medical, dental, and vision care, we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on physical, emotional, financial, and social wellness. These include working‑family support such as backup dependent care, adoption assistance, infertility coverage, family‑building support, behavioral health solutions, paid parental leave, and paid caregiver leave. Training programs, professional development resources, and mentorship opportunities are also available.
Salary & Compensation$110,500 - 220,990. This salary range reflects a national average for this position. The actual range may vary based on your locale. Ranges in Colorado/California/Washington/NewYork/Hawaii/Vermont/Minnesota/Massachusetts/Illinois State‑specific locations may be up to 10% lower than the minimum salary range, and 12% higher than the maximum salary range.
Director - Trade Services in City of Westminster employer: Cencora, Inc.
Cencora is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes support for family needs, mental health resources, and extensive training opportunities. With a strong focus on operational excellence and compliance in the highly regulated logistics sector, employees are empowered to lead and innovate within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility while being part of a global team dedicated to delivering impactful trade services in the healthcare and life sciences industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Trade Services in City of Westminster
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Cencora, Inc. looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Trade Services in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Cencora, Inc.. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cencora, Inc.
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Cencora, Inc.’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
