Director, Global Trade Operations Lead

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. 

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. 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). 

• 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.