Director, Global Trade Compliance

Smith+Nephew•Fort Worth, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Global Trade Compliance (GTC) to lead the company’s US trade compliance programme and partner with the Global Lead for GTC based in Singapore. This role will develop and execute the company’s trade compliance strategy to ensure compliance with applicable import, export, sanctions, and customs laws in the US and globally, while enabling efficient and compliant cross-border operations that support business growth. The successful candidate will bring deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and a robust external network within the US trade compliance community, including experience with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) environment. What will you need to be successful? Strategy and Leadership Develop US trade compliance strategy aligned with the company’s global business, supply chain, and regulatory objectives. Serve as the US advisor to senior leadership on US trade compliance risks, emerging regulations and US trade policy developments. Lead and develop a high-performing US trade compliance team, ensuring consistent standards, training and collaboration across regions. Build strong partnerships with the Global GTC lead, Legal, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Tax, and Commercial teams to ensure an integrated approach to compliance. Trade Compliance Management Provide direction on tariff optimisation strategies, free trade agreements (FTAs), de minimis rules, and duty savings opportunities. Ensure compliance with country of origin, tariff classification, and customs valuation requirements. Manage US company policies and their interaction with global policies on anti-boycott laws, trade sanctions and restricted party screening. Oversee compliance with US import/export regulations, including those administered by CBP, BIS, OFAC and other government authorities. Lead on US Federal Contracting requirements from a trade compliance perspective. Lead proactive assessments of US trade compliance risks and oversee corrective action plans. Stakeholder and External Engagement Develop and maintain a strong external US trade compliance network across industry associations, government agencies, and peer companies to stay abreast of regulatory developments and best practices. Represent the company with external authorities in the US (e.g., CBP, BIS, OFAC, HMRC) and during trade audits or investigations. Advise business leaders and supply chain teams on US geopolitical, regulatory, and tariff impacts to global sourcing and distribution strategy. Governance, Training, and Continuous Improvement Review and ensure the implementation of US policies, controls, and procedures to ensure compliance across all import/export activities. Oversight for the development and delivery of training programmes for employees and management on trade compliance obligations. Support trade data analytics, reporting, and metrics to monitor programme effectiveness. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes, reduce risk, and enhance global trade efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Law, Business, or a related field is preferred.
Minimum 15 years’ experience in global trade compliance; experience of a leadership role within a multinational organisation preferred.
Proven experience within the U.S. CBP environment and familiarity with CBP rulings, audits, and enforcement processes.
Strong understanding of US customs laws, country of origin rules, classification, valuation, and tariff regimes.
Expertise in US boycott regulations, export controls, and sanctions compliance.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing US trade compliance programmes
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with senior executives and influence decision-making at all organisational levels.
Existing external network within the US trade compliance community (industry groups, CBP, legal and consulting professionals).
Commitment to operational excellence and a hands-on approach.
Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Integrity-driven leader with a passion for compliance, ethics, and innovation.
Comfortable operating in a dynamic, matrixed and global business environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or other regulated industries preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop US trade compliance strategy aligned with the company’s global business, supply chain, and regulatory objectives.
Serve as the US advisor to senior leadership on US trade compliance risks, emerging regulations and US trade policy developments.
Lead and develop a high-performing US trade compliance team, ensuring consistent standards, training and collaboration across regions.
Build strong partnerships with the Global GTC lead, Legal, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Tax, and Commercial teams to ensure an integrated approach to compliance.
Provide direction on tariff optimisation strategies, free trade agreements (FTAs), de minimis rules, and duty savings opportunities.
Ensure compliance with country of origin, tariff classification, and customs valuation requirements.
Manage US company policies and their interaction with global policies on anti-boycott laws, trade sanctions and restricted party screening.
Oversee compliance with US import/export regulations, including those administered by CBP, BIS, OFAC and other government authorities.
Lead on US Federal Contracting requirements from a trade compliance perspective.
Lead proactive assessments of US trade compliance risks and oversee corrective action plans.
Develop and maintain a strong external US trade compliance network across industry associations, government agencies, and peer companies to stay abreast of regulatory developments and best practices.
Represent the company with external authorities in the US (e.g., CBP, BIS, OFAC, HMRC) and during trade audits or investigations.
Advise business leaders and supply chain teams on US geopolitical, regulatory, and tariff impacts to global sourcing and distribution strategy.
Review and ensure the implementation of US policies, controls, and procedures to ensure compliance across all import/export activities.
Oversight for the development and delivery of training programmes for employees and management on trade compliance obligations.
Support trade data analytics, reporting, and metrics to monitor programme effectiveness.
Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes, reduce risk, and enhance global trade efficiency.