Director, Global Trade Operations Lead

Director, Global Trade Operations Lead

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global trade operations strategy and ensure compliant product movement worldwide.
  • Company: Join Johnson & Johnson, a leader in healthcare innovation and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with potential for international travel and career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a global impact in healthcare while leading diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: 10-12 years in global trade operations and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

This job is with Johnson & Johnson, an inclusive employer. 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.

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.

Job Overview

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.

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). 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.

Director, Global Trade Operations Lead employer: Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. Located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, our team enjoys a collaborative environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, all while contributing to meaningful healthcare innovations that impact lives globally. Join us to be part of a company that not only prioritises employee well-being but also empowers you to lead in global trade operations within a dynamic and evolving industry.

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Contact Details:

Johnson & Johnson Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director, Global Trade Operations Lead

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, especially those who work at Johnson & Johnson or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Johnson & Johnson values inclusivity and innovation, so think about how your experiences align with their mission and be ready to share specific examples.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You want to clearly communicate your experience in global trade operations and how you can drive operational excellence. Keep it concise and impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Johnson & Johnson.

We think you need these skills to ace Director, Global Trade Operations Lead

Global Trade Operations Strategy
Customs Compliance
Import/Export Regulations
Trade Compliance Frameworks
Operational Controls
Leadership Skills
Analytical Skills

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 Johnson & Johnson's mission. Remember, we love seeing genuine enthusiasm for healthcare innovation and teamwork.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success in improving operational efficiency or compliance. We’re all about results here at StudySmarter!

Apply Through Our Website: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 us you’re serious about joining our inclusive and innovative team at Johnson & Johnson.

How to prepare for a job interview at Johnson & Johnson

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 led successful projects. 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 risks in previous roles, especially in complex, matrixed organisations. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.

Engage with Their Values

Johnson & Johnson values inclusivity and innovation. Familiarise yourself with their Credo and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.