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, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and career advancement in a respected company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 10-12 years in global trade operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 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. 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.
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.
Johnson & Johnson is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Director, Global Trade Operations Lead in Leeds employer: Johnson & Johnson
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.
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, especially those at Johnson & Johnson or DePuy Synthes. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Johnson & Johnson is all about health and innovation, so think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate how you've built and developed high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and accountability.
✨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 team at Johnson & Johnson.
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 your leadership skills. We want to see how you can drive operational excellence!
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 role at Johnson & Johnson. Share specific examples of your achievements in trade operations and how they align with our mission to innovate in healthcare.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t underestimate the power of soft skills! Highlight your ability to lead teams, communicate effectively, and build strong partnerships across departments. We value collaboration and accountability here at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. 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!
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 diversity and inclusion, so be sure to express how you align with these principles. Share experiences that highlight your commitment to creating an inclusive work environment and how you respect the dignity of all employees.
