Director of International Trade Services

Univar Solutions•The Woodlands, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of International Trade Services is responsible for leading import and export trade operations across North and South America, with overall accountability for departmental performance, compliance, and growth. This role provides strategic direction for personnel, operations, and capital asset requirements while driving the execution of growth initiatives and expansion of service capabilities. The position oversees a team of 30–45 employees through management-level direct reports and is accountable for compliance, budget performance, internal and external partner satisfaction, growth metrics, distribution and cross-dock operations, and the performance of carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other trade partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for concentration in business administration, supply chain/ logistics, engineering or economics.
5+ years in global / international trade operations, including responsibility for import and/or export for North America locations.
5+ years leading operational personnel with direct accountability for hiring, development, performance management and termination processes.
3+ years operational facility management and leadership.
3+ years managing 3rd party partners for ocean carriage, freight forwarding, customs house brokerage & other operational support partners.

Nice To Haves

Masters’ degree with similar concentration, a plus.
Certifications in; International Air Transport Association (IATA), Export Trade Certificate (ETCA), NCBFAA Certifications (CCS, CES, MES), among others, is a plus.

Responsibilities

Integrate disaggregated import and export operations and related job functions into one cohesive operating unit within the Univar Solutions Supply Chain & Operations organization.
Develop streamlined process and improved workflow to deliver regular operational excellence to internal and external partners.
Develop annual strategic plans, operating budget plans and CAPEX budget plans for the function.
Identify opportunities to innovate to increase partner value regarding the handling of international trade activities.
Identify opportunities that will allow for growth into new markets by maximizing streamlined operations, collaboration with partners and leveraging experienced personnel.
Provide leadership (lead, teach & coach) that inspires and supports International Trade Services team to stretch their capabilities and contribute to positive leaps in organizational performance.
Develop on-going Subject Matter Expertise in leadership and International Trade Services.
Collaborate with executive management to achieve organizational goals.
Encourage & inspire safety culture – leading by example.
Oversight of department activity to ensure legal compliance, adherence to company policies and procedures and excellent value to internal and external partners.
Deliver consistent, on-time, cost effective business operations that are executed with a “Serious about Safety” operational approach.
Continuous improvement and streamlining of operations.
Management of annual strategy, operating budget plan and CAPEX budget plan.
Ensure completion of internal audits and support legal with any necessary prior disclosures.
Budgetary responsibility for OPEX of import & export departments, including internal personnel & 3rd party services received.
Deliver financial cost savings identified via budget & annual operating plan processes via process improvements, expense reductions or other changes to other productivity drivers.
Support revenue generating via cost effective & consistent service delivery, making growth of supplier products and/or customer / commercial sales volume.