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Global Trade Supervisor

Wolverine Worldwide, Rockford, MI, United States


Overview Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) is one of the world’s leading designers, marketers, and licensors of footwear and apparel with a global footprint spanning 170 countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes Merrell, Saucony, Sweaty Betty, Hush Puppies, Wolverine, Chaco, Bates, HYTEST, and Stride Rite, and it is the global footwear licensee of Cat and Harley‑Davidson. Wolverine Worldwide is driven by a Vision to Make. Every Day. Better. for its consumers, partners, communities, and shareholders. In 2025, the company was recognized by Footwear News as Company of the Year and by Forbes and Inspiring Workplaces for multiple employer accolades. Wolverine Worldwide is a Certified Great Place To Work.

Position The Global Trade Supervisor plays a critical leadership role in managing the day-to-day regional trade operations and ensuring compliance with global import and export regulations. This position manages a team of trade specialists, providing guidance, support, and oversight to maintain operational excellence and regulatory integrity. The Supervisor coordinates trade activities, resolves escalated issues, and drives process improvements. By aligning trade operations with corporate strategy and regulatory requirements, this role helps protect the company from compliance risks, supports global supply chain efficiency, and contributes to long-term business success.

Responsibilities

Supervise a team of trade professionals, providing coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities.

Allocate resources and prioritize tasks to ensure timely and compliant execution of trade activities.

Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture focused on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Manage day-to-day import and export operations, including documentation, classification, valuation, and broker coordination.

Monitor shipment flows and customs clearance processes to prevent delays and ensure compliance.

Collaborate with supply chain, logistics, and legal teams to align trade operations with business needs.

Oversee adherence to international trade regulations, including customs laws, export controls, and sanctions.

Ensure internal policies and procedures are consistently followed and updated in response to regulatory changes.

Serve as a point of escalation for complex compliance issues and coordinate resolution with internal and external stakeholders.

Prepare for and lead internal and external audits, including those by customs and regulatory agencies, ensuring audit readiness through accurate documentation and compliance practices.

Oversee identification and assessment of compliance risks across trade activities, ensuring mitigation strategies are implemented and risk logs are maintained with timely corrective actions.

Participate in investigations into trade discrepancies or violations, providing detailed reports and recommendations to senior leadership to ensure resolution and adherence to compliance standards.

Drive initiatives to streamline trade processes and improve operational efficiency.

Lead implementation of trade automation tools and systems enhancements.

Monitor KPIs and use data analytics to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.

Act as a liaison between internal departments (e.g., Supply Chain, Legal, Finance) and external partners (e.g., customs brokers, freight forwarders).

Facilitate cross-functional meetings to address trade-related challenges and align on compliance strategies.

Develop and deliver compliance training, support the creation of operational frameworks, and promote a culture of continuous learning.

Perform duties consistent with the company’s EEO goals and policies.

Performs other duties as required or assigned by the manager.

Maintain knowledge of trade data interpretation and its use in decision-making.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in supply chain management or a related field.

5+ years of related experience in Global Trade, Logistics, Transportation, Distribution, Supply Chain, or finance.

2+ years of management experience with direct reports and/or mentoring and coaching experience.

Preferred: additional certification, such as a US Customer broker license.

Strong strategic communication: clearly communicates expectations, goals, and performance standards to team members and stakeholders, and translates complex trade data into actionable guidance.

Team leadership: builds a culture of accountability and collaboration; provides direction, feedback, and growth opportunities.

Professionalism: respectful communication, positive attitude, and accountability; builds strong cross-team relationships.

Trade compliance & risk management: ensures adherence to trade regulations and mitigates compliance risks.

Process optimization: leads initiatives to improve trade operations and data accuracy.

Data analysis & interpretation: analyzes trade data to identify trends and support planning.

Project oversight: manages trade-related projects with aligned timelines, resources, and deliverables.

Working Conditions Normal office environment. Some travel is required. The company offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule, with three days in the office and two days remote.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create equal opportunities for our associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

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