Assistant Director, Trade Compliance & Logistics

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.•,

171d•$110,900 - $144,205•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented trade compliance and logistics professional to lead and support U.S. import compliance activities and global logistics operations. This role will be responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, managing import and transportation processes, supporting commercial launch activities, and driving operational improvements across the global supply chain. The ideal candidate will bring 8–10 years of experience in U.S. import compliance and international logistics within a regulated industry, along with strong cross-functional collaboration, problem-solving, and project management skills. Join a dynamic team that values operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, International Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum of 8 years of experience in U.S. import compliance and international logistics
Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, import procedures, and FDA/PGA import requirements
Experience managing and working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and transportation providers
Familiarity with HTS classification, import valuation, country of origin, Incoterms, and import documentation requirements
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to proactively manage workload, take initiative, and operate independently in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/logistics systems
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Nice To Haves

Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other regulated industries
Familiarity with FDA import requirements and PGA processes
Customs Broker License or trade compliance certification
Experience with SAP S4, SAP and/or equivalent ERP systems, transportation management systems (TMS), or global trade management systems (GTM)
Experience supporting product launch activities, FTZ operations, or temperature-controlled supply chains

Responsibilities

Support day-to-day U.S. import compliance activities in accordance with CBP and applicable PGA requirements, including review and approval of import documentation, HTS classifications, valuation, country of origin, and end-use documentation.
Review, audit, and maintain import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, customs entry records, and FDA-related import documentation.
Coordinate and communicate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely customs clearance and delivery.
Monitor international shipments and proactively resolve customs clearance or transportation issues, including CBP inquiries, FDA holds, and other clearance-related delays.
Assist with HTS classification and country-of-origin determinations by coordinating with internal stakeholders and external trade compliance resources as needed.
Support import audit readiness and compliance reporting activities, including periodic review of customs entries and implementation of corrective actions and process improvements.
Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA/APHIS, Fish & Wildlife Service, and other PGA import requirements by gathering and verifying required import data and ensuring permits and licenses are in place prior to shipment.
Track logistics and import compliance metrics, shipment status, transportation performance, and broker KPIs; participate in periodic business review meetings with logistics providers and customs brokers.
Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Quality, Regulatory, and external logistics providers to improve operational efficiency, reduce supply chain risk, and support commercial launch readiness.
Support and lead process improvement initiatives related to trade compliance and logistics operations, including SOP updates, shipping qualification activities, risk assessments, and GTM-related initiatives.
Support commercial launch activities involving FTZ operations, FDA import coordination, and temperature-controlled international shipments.