Global Trade Program Manager

Western Digital•San Jose, CA

About The Position

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data. The Global Customs Trade Programs & Supply Chain Programs Expert is a strategic program management role responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving a portfolio of global trade programs. The core focus spans Supply Chain Security (CTPAT/AEO), Environmental Sustainability, Record Retention and AI Enabled Compliance assurance program — with an open mandate to expand into additional customs trade program domains as the business evolves. The ideal candidate brings a blend of strong program management expertise and deep subject matter knowledge in customs and trade programs expertise. They are a thought leader who can strategize, build governance frameworks, drive programs to completion, and adapt to an ever-changing regulatory landscape — leveraging AI tools and automation to work smarter, all while championing a culture of trade program awareness across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, Business Administration, or a related field.
10+ years of experience managing global supply chain trade programs, including hands-on responsibility for at least two of: Supply Chain Security (CTPAT/AEO), Dangerous Goods (IATA/Hazmat), Supply Chain Sustainability, or customs trade programs.
Demonstrated track record of building programs from the ground up — obtaining certifications, designing governance frameworks, and scaling operations.
Experience working directly with customs authorities (e.g., CBP) and international regulatory bodies.
Experience in technology-intensive supply chains, preferably in the semiconductor, electronics, or manufacturing sector.
Ability to manage a portfolio of concurrent trade programs with competing priorities and stakeholders.
Strong project planning, milestone tracking, risk management, and executive communication skills.
Comfort operating in ambiguous environments — able to define scope, build structure, and execute with limited guidance.
Change management and organizational influence skills; ability to drive adoption without direct authority.
Deep knowledge of CTPAT requirements, AEO frameworks, and international trade security regulations.
Expertise with supply chain sustainability standards (e.g., GHG Protocol, CDP, EU CSRD) and ESG reporting requirements.
Broad understanding of global customs regulations, trade programs, classification, and valuation principles.
Excellent executive communication and presentation skills — ability to distill complex regulatory topics for senior leadership.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; data-driven approach to risk and performance management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with trade management systems (TMS), trade program platforms, or ERP systems is a plus.
Hands-on experience with AI tools for trade program tasks — such as document review, risk scoring, regulatory change tracking, or automated reporting — strongly preferred.
High learning agility and growth mindset — eager to take on new programs and expand expertise into emerging trade program domains.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Certified Licensed Customs Broker (preferred).
Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (DGR).
Additional certifications in trade programs, sustainability, or program management (e.g., PMP) are a plus.

Responsibilities

Design and lead end-to-end program management for customs trade program initiatives including Supply Chain Security, Sustainability, Record retention and Compliance assurance programs — with the agility to onboard additional customs programs.
Drive Western Digital to secure and maintain CTPAT Trade Compliance certification; support global sites in securing and/or retaining AEO certifications.
Serve as liaison with internal team members and legal when faced with audits from CBP and other regulatory bodies.
Evaluate and deploy AI-powered tools to streamline trade program workflows — including Supply Chain Security risk assessment, Compliance assurance program and across all managed programs.
Integrate sustainability requirements into supply chain operations, ensuring alignment with internal ESG goals and external regulatory obligations.
Institute robust governance models for all managed programs; participate actively in industry associations to benchmark and enhance program value.
Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities across the supply chain trade programs portfolio.
Leverage AI-assisted monitoring tools to continuously scan for regulatory changes, supply chain anomalies, and emerging trade program risks in real time.
Develop and maintain an Internal Control Program to ensure systemic trade program adherence across all program areas.
Maintain readiness for regulatory inquiries, third-party audits, and certification renewals.
Act as a thought leader — define the strategic roadmap for each trade program, balancing near-term deliverables with long-term scalability.
Identify and implement technology solutions to automate manual processes, reduce cost, and improve program effectiveness.
Champion responsible AI adoption within trade program operations — define guardrails, evaluate vendor AI tools, and ensure AI use aligns with regulatory expectations and internal governance standards.
Partner with IT and data teams to build AI/ML-powered dashboards and analytics that surface trade program trends, predict risk, and support executive decision-making.
Analyze program performance data to surface improvement opportunities; drive structured continuous improvement cycles.
Proactively identify adjacent customs trade program domains (e.g., trade programs, duty management, origin programs) and develop business cases to expand the program portfolio.
Design and deliver role-specific training programs for employees, suppliers, and stakeholders across all trade program domains.
Champion a culture of trade program awareness and security awareness throughout the organization.
Develop accessible playbooks, reference materials, and e-learning content to scale trade program knowledge.
Partner closely with Logistics, Legal, IT, Finance, and Business Unit teams to embed trade program requirements into business operations seamlessly.
Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other external partners to ensure supply chain-wide adherence.
Represent the organization in industry forums, regulatory working groups, and with government agencies.
Maintain comprehensive records of program activities: audits, risk assessments, certifications, and training.
Prepare and submit required regulatory filings and reports to CBP and other relevant authorities.
Provide executive-level reporting on program status, risks, and KPIs.

Benefits

paid vacation time
paid sick leave
medical/dental/vision insurance
life, accident and disability insurance
tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
employee assistance program
other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity
tuition reimbursement
transit
the Applause Program
employee stock purchase plan
the WD Savings 401(k) Plan
eligible for overtime pay
eligible for bonuses under either WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”)
eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents
RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires