At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global trade operations strategy for efficient product movement and compliance.
- Company: Join Johnson & Johnson, a leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Inclusive work environment, competitive salary, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a global impact in healthcare while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: 10-12 years in global trade operations with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.
As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.
DePuy Synthes is recruiting for a Director, Global Trade Operations Lead, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Johnson & Johnson announced plans to separate our Orthopedics business to establish a standalone orthopedics company, operating as DePuy Synthes. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed within 18 to 24 months, subject to legal requirements, including consultation with works councils and other employee representative bodies, as may be required, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and approvals. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the transaction, you would be an employee of DePuy Synthes and your employment would be governed by DePuy Synthes employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by DePuy Synthes at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.
The Director, Global Trade Operations Lead is responsible for setting and leading the global trade operations strategy to ensure compliant, efficient, and resilient cross-border movement of products worldwide. This role provides enterprise leadership across customs, import/export operations, trade compliance execution, and governance, while enabling business growth and supply continuity. The position has a significant global impact, driving operational excellence, risk mitigation, and strong partnerships across Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, Quality, and Commercial teams.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead and execute the global trade operations strategy, ensuring compliance with customs, import/export, and trade regulations across all regions.
- Provide enterprise leadership for global trade operations, governance, and execution models.
- Oversee trade compliance operational processes, controls, and documentation to ensure audit readiness and regulatory adherence.
- Partner with Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Legal, Quality, and Commercial leaders to enable efficient and compliant product movement.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate global trade risks, including regulatory changes and geopolitical impacts.
- Lead and develop global trade operations teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Drive operational excellence initiatives to improve efficiency, data quality, and system enablement across trade processes.
- Serve as the senior point of contact for trade-related audits, regulatory inquiries, and external engagements.
- Establish metrics, reporting, and governance forums to monitor performance and compliance outcomes.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Finance, or a related field (required). Master’s degree, MBA, or advanced degree in a related discipline (preferred).
Experience and Skills:
- Required: Typically 10-12 years of progressive experience in global trade operations, trade compliance, customs, or supply chain leadership.
- Proven experience leading global or multi-regional trade operations in a complex, matrixed organization.
- Deep knowledge of global customs, import/export regulations, and trade compliance frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement governance models and operational controls.
- Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing high-performing global teams.
- Excellent strategic, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Preferred: Experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industries.
- Experience leading global trade transformations or system implementations.
- Familiarity with global ERP, trade management, and compliance reporting systems.
- Experience managing regulatory audits and engagements with customs authorities.
- Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.
Other:
- Language: English proficiency required; additional languages preferred.
- Travel: Up to 25% international travel.
- Certifications: Trade compliance, customs, or supply chain certifications preferred.
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills: Business Alignment, Developing Others, Distribution Management, Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Operational Excellence, Order Management, Performance Measurement, Resource Management, Safety-Oriented, Strategic Supply Chain Management, Succession Planning, Tactical Planning, Technologically Savvy, Trade Import, Transportation Management, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Transport Management Trends, Transport Networks.
Director,Global Trade Operations Lead in Leeds employer: J&J Family of Companies
At Johnson & Johnson, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our robust development programmes and the opportunity to lead innovative global trade operations that directly impact healthcare solutions. With a strong focus on collaboration and operational excellence, we empower our employees to thrive while making a meaningful difference in the world of health.
Contact Details:
J&J Family of Companies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director,Global Trade Operations Lead in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Knowing Johnson & Johnson's values will help you connect your experience to their mission during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in global trade operations can drive success at DePuy Synthes. 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 seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director,Global Trade Operations Lead in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director, Global Trade Operations Lead role. Highlight your experience in global trade operations and compliance, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Johnson & Johnson. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love seeing the real you!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, make sure to highlight specific experiences that relate to customs, import/export operations, and trade compliance. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their expertise and how they’ve successfully navigated complex trade environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at J&J Family of Companies
✨Know Your Trade Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on global trade operations, customs regulations, and compliance frameworks. Johnson & Johnson is looking for someone with deep knowledge in these areas, so be prepared to discuss your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Think of examples where you've built high-performing teams or driven operational excellence. Be ready to share how you foster collaboration and accountability within your teams.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you've identified and mitigated trade risks in the past, especially in complex, matrixed organisations. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
✨Engage with Their Values
Johnson & Johnson values inclusivity and respect for diversity. Familiarise yourself with their Credo and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you would contribute to an inclusive work environment.
