At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global trade operations strategy and ensure compliant product movement worldwide.
- Company: Join DePuy Synthes, a pioneering orthopaedics company under Johnson & Johnson.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with international travel and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a global impact in trade operations while driving business growth.
- Qualifications: 10-12 years in global trade operations with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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 separation is anticipated to be completed within 18 to 24 months, subject to legal requirements, consultation with works councils and other employee representative bodies, regulatory approvals, and other customary conditions. If you accept this position, you would be an employee of DePuy Synthes and your employment would be governed by DePuy Synthes employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans.
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.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Finance, or a related field (required).
- Education: Master’s degree, MBA, or advanced degree in a related discipline (preferred).
- Experience: Typically 10–12 years of progressive experience in global trade operations, trade compliance, customs, or supply chain leadership.
- Experience: Proven experience leading global or multi‑regional trade operations in a complex, matrixed organization.
- Experience: Deep knowledge of global customs, import/export regulations, and trade compliance frameworks.
- Experience: Demonstrated ability to design and implement governance models and operational controls.
- Experience: Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing high‑performing global teams.
- Experience: Excellent strategic, analytical, and problem‑solving capabilities.
- Experience: 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 Requirements
- Language: English proficiency required; additional languages preferred.
- Travel: Up to 25% international travel.
- Certifications: Trade compliance, customs, or supply chain certifications preferred.
Director, Global Trade Operations Lead in Leeds employer: Johnson & Johnson MedTech
DePuy Synthes, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a collaborative and innovative work culture. As part of Johnson & Johnson, we offer competitive benefits and the opportunity to lead impactful global trade operations in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while fostering strong partnerships across various teams. Join us to be part of a transformative journey in the orthopaedics sector, where your contributions will drive meaningful change and success.
Contact Details:
Johnson & Johnson MedTech 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 connections in the industry, attend trade events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DePuy Synthes and understanding their global trade operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can drive operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven continuous improvement in previous roles. This is key for a position like the Director, Global Trade Operations Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the DePuy Synthes 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 the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your achievements in trade operations and how they align with our goals at DePuy Synthes. Let’s see your passion for the role!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a director, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. In your application, highlight your experience in building and developing high-performing teams. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to foster collaboration and drive operational excellence.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Johnson & Johnson MedTech
✨Know Your Trade Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on global trade operations, customs regulations, and compliance frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and trends in the medical device industry, as this will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams and driving operational excellence. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration across departments like Supply Chain, Finance, and Legal, as this is crucial for the Director role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you've successfully mitigated trade risks or navigated regulatory changes, and be prepared to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Don't just answer questions; engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about DePuy Synthes' current trade operations and future strategies. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
