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 wellness benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with international travel opportunities and executive-level responsibilities.
- Why this job: Drive impactful trade solutions while collaborating with diverse teams across the globe.
- 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.
Qualifications Additional Requirements: 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: 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.
Benefits: 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/New York/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 employer: Cencora, Inc.
Cencora is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees, offering a hybrid work model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong focus on inclusivity, the company provides a comprehensive benefits package that supports physical, emotional, and financial wellness, alongside robust training and mentorship opportunities to foster career advancement. Located in a dynamic environment, Cencora encourages innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the logistics and healthcare sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Trade Services
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Cencora, Inc. and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Cencora, Inc.!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Cencora, Inc. keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Trade Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Cencora, Inc.:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Cencora, Inc.. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cencora, Inc.
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Cencora, Inc..
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Cencora, Inc. that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Cencora, Inc.. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
