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- Tasks: Lead global trade compliance strategy across EMEA and APAC, ensuring regulatory adherence and business growth.
- Company: Ciena, a leader in high-speed connectivity with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, focus on individual growth, and commitment to social impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of global trade while making a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in trade compliance, expertise in customs regulations, and strong project management skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritising a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
This is a high-impact opportunity to shape and advance Ciena’s global trade compliance strategy across the EMEA and APAC regions. The Director will drive operational excellence by ensuring regulatory adherence, enabling business growth, and fostering collaboration across multiple functions. This role requires a self-starter and strategic thinker who can balance compliance obligations with business priorities while building relationships with regional teams and external stakeholders. The Director will influence local operations, guide adoption of systems and processes, and ensure Ciena remains agile, compliant, and future-ready in a dynamic global trade environment.
How you will make an impact:
- Drive regional trade compliance strategy and execution across EMEA and APAC, ensuring alignment with global corporate standards and adherence to customs and export regulations.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with logistics, legal, finance, supply chain, and commercial teams to implement scalable compliance programs tailored to regional needs.
- Oversee customs and export operations, including licensing, in-country registrations, free trade agreements, and duty optimisation activities.
- Provide subject matter expertise on customs classification, valuation, country of origin determination, and trade agreement qualifications.
- Identify, influence, and mitigate trade-related risks while monitoring geopolitical and regulatory developments to minimise disruption.
- Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and training programs that strengthen compliance awareness and accountability across EMEA and APAC.
- Guide enhancements and regional adoption of trade compliance systems, enabling automation, process optimisation, and operational control.
- Promote continuous improvement initiatives using KPIs and industry best practices to enhance program performance and operational efficiency.
The must haves:
- Bachelor’s degree in international trade, supply chain, business, law, or a related field.
- 15+ years of experience managing trade compliance programs across EMEA and/or APAC, with direct responsibility for customs operations, licensing, and regulatory adherence.
- Expertise in customs regulations, EU dual-use requirements, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), import/export licensing, and duty optimisation strategies.
- Proven success managing complex multi-regional projects with diverse stakeholders and influencing local operations to adopt compliance initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of customs classification, valuation, country of origin rules, and trade agreement qualifications.
- Experience with trade compliance systems such as Oracle Global Trade Management (GTM) or similar platforms.
- Fluency in English.
Nice to haves:
- Industry certifications such as Licensed Customs Broker or Certified Export Specialist.
- Additional language skills relevant to EMEA or APAC regions.
- Experience working with regulatory authorities and external consultants on audits, inquiries, or operational challenges.
- Background in deploying automation and scalable solutions within trade compliance systems.
- Familiarity with telecom or high-tech industry environments.
At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.
Director, Global Trade - EMEA & APAC employer: Ciena
Contact Detail:
Ciena Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Global Trade - EMEA & APAC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Ciena. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Ciena's culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our people-first approach and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in trade compliance can drive operational excellence at Ciena. Keep it concise and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll be part of our Talent Community for future opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Global Trade - EMEA & APAC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director, Global Trade role. Highlight your expertise in trade compliance and any relevant projects you've led in EMEA and APAC.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven compliance strategies and collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes! Whether it's improving compliance processes or managing complex projects, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ciena!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena
✨Know Your Trade Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of customs regulations, export licensing, and trade agreements. Ciena is looking for someone who can navigate these complexities, so be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to balance compliance obligations with business priorities. Think about times when you've influenced local operations or led cross-functional teams to implement compliance initiatives successfully.
✨Be a People Person
Ciena values collaboration, so highlight your experience in building relationships with diverse stakeholders. Share stories about how you've worked with logistics, legal, and finance teams to drive compliance strategies in the past.
✨Stay Current on Geopolitical Trends
Familiarise yourself with recent geopolitical developments that could impact trade compliance. Being able to discuss how these factors influence regulatory adherence will show that you're proactive and well-informed, which is crucial for this role.