Assoc. Dir, Global Trade Strategy & Supply Op
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Position Overview
The Associate Director, Global Trade Strategy & Supply Optimization is a strategic leader responsible for designing, optimizing, and governing the company’s global import strategy. This role partners closely with engineering, supply chain, compliance, operations, and international vendor teams to ensure products are sourced, transported, and delivered into the United States or other global locations in the most efficient, cost‑effective, and compliant manner. The Associate Director serves as a cross‑functional strategist—balancing regulatory requirements, engineering constraints, and global supply network dynamics—to build an import framework that supports scalability, cost reduction, operational resilience, and product availability across all business units.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute an enterprise‑wide import strategy that minimizes cost, maximizes efficiency, and meets all regulatory requirements.
- Analyze global sourcing opportunities, freight lanes, trade programs, and origin diversification to strengthen supply resilience.
- Optimize inbound logistics flows through CBP programs, duty mitigation strategies, free trade agreements, and tariff engineering opportunities.
- Lead new product import strategy reviews, ensuring design decisions account for trade, duty, packaging, routing, and compliance requirements.
Engineering Collaboration & Technical Integration
- Partner with engineering teams to evaluate product designs, packaging, and material specifications that impact import classification, landed cost, and compliance.
- Provide technical trade guidance to engineering during early design and sourcing phases to avoid cost or compliance risks.
- Support engineering on cost modeling, DFM/DFX trade impacts, and international sourcing feasibility.
Supply Chain & Vendor Collaboration
- Work with global suppliers and logistics providers to evaluate shipping methods, origin options, consolidation opportunities, and total landed cost improvements.
- Establish import standards, requirements, and performance metrics for international vendors and freight partners.
- Collaborate with planning and procurement teams to ensure accurate forecasting and optimal replenishment strategies for international shipments.
Compliance, Risk Mitigation & Regulatory Governance
- Ensure all imports comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements, including tariff classification, valuation, COO, PGA compliance, and documentation.
- Monitor regulatory changes impacting global trade and proactively adjust company strategies to maintain compliance and financial advantage.
- Lead internal audits and partner with compliance/legal to mitigate trade risks and protect import privileges.
Process Improvement & Data Optimization
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives that reduce cycle time, lower landed cost, and enhance transparency in the import process.
- Develop and maintain dashboards, cost models, and analytics to support scenario planning, routing decisions, and trade‑related KPIs.
- Champion digital tools that improve import visibility, forecast accuracy, and global supply chain responsiveness.
- All other duties assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, International Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Preferred Certifications: APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) and/or CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation & Distribution). LCB (Licensed Customs Broker) optional.
- 8+ years of experience in global trade, import operations, supply chain strategy, or related technical fields.
- Strong understanding of HS classification, duty mitigation, CBP regulations, and global sourcing dynamics.
- Experience collaborating with engineering teams on product and packaging decisions related to international movement.
- Proven ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.
- Analytical and data‑driven, with experience in cost modeling, scenario analysis, and strategic planning.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex trade and engineering concepts to executives and global partners.
Success Indicators
- Reduced total landed cost and improved import efficiency.
- Strong alignment between engineering, sourcing, and trade strategy during new product development.
- Improved compliance performance and reduced import‑related risks.
- Increased supply chain resilience through diversified origins and optimized trade programs.
- High visibility, accuracy, and predictability of inbound material flows.
Physical Requirements
- This position may require the ability to perform tasks that involve sitting, standing, walking, lifting 25+ lbs., computer work and other physical activities. Candidates should be able to meet these physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation.
EEO Statement
Energy Access Innovations is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Solar Electric Power Generation
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