Job Description

The Regional Director, Global Trade Compliance will develop and drive the implementation of tariff mitigation strategies and advise the affiliates in the region on existing and emerging trade laws and regulations with a focus on trade facilitation, compliance, and cost-savings initiatives. The regional directors are responsible for providing leadership and strategy in the definition, development, and implementation of robust and effective internal controls to ensure regional compliance with all applicable import/export laws and regulations. The position is a primary resource for division and affiliate management seeking consultation and support regarding compliance with import/export laws, duty savings regimes, and internal/external audit remediation.

Additional description

The Regional Director, Global Trade Compliance is a primary point of contact for Operating Divisions, Affiliate Finance Directors, and designated Trade Compliance Coordinators throughout the respective region for compliance with all relevant import, export and trade laws and regulations.


Specific responsibilities include:

Advise the affiliates in the region on existing and emerging trade laws and regulations with a focus on trade facilitation, compliance, and cost-savings initiatives Develop and drive the implementation of tariff mitigation strategies and duty-avoidance regimes for affiliates in the region. Provide leadership and strategy in the definition, development, and implementation of robust and effective internal controls to ensure regional compliance with all applicable import/export laws and regulations Provide oversight and direction to the designated Affiliate Compliance Coordinators in the respective region (direct and/or dotted-line reports) Determine the adequacy of internal controls related to trade practices against related corporate and divisional policies, laws and statutes. Review and assess the soundness, adequacy and application of compliance with these rules. Prepare technical defense arguments in external customs disputes. Interface with International Legal, affiliate and other senior division management, and direct reports of these officials, related to risk and issues of non-compliance with applicable import/export laws and statues. Provide technical training and expertise to affiliates in the respective region. Manage external advisors for regional import/export/trade-related matters.

Qualifications

Master's degree in international business, trade law, business law, economics, finance, or related field required. Customs broker license/certification a plus. Minimum of 15 years experience in trade compliance for a multinational corporation, including management of large programs Prior experience implementing trade-related internal control programs in Life Sciences/Health Care industry. Sound understanding of Abbott's legal entity structure and transfer pricing principles. Proactive advisor with a keen eye towards compliance, audit and training. Sound understanding of governmental regulations, internal policies and procedures, and Abbott's global trade operations. Effective interpersonal skills (both written and verbal). Cultural sensitivity and awareness, and ability to adapt approach accordingly. A high level of analytical ability is required to evaluate problems and determine the best solution for a particular situation. The skill should be applied in a manner which leads to acceptance of solutions and persuades and motivates those involved to implement the solution proposed

Accountability

Oversee compliance of regional trade volumes in excess of $2-8 billion Oversee and manage regional duty expense in excess of $24-111 million. Position is relied on as a subject matter expert for all divisions and affiliates in the respective region Incorrect decisions can result in financial penalties imposed by local customs authorities. The Regional Director is directly responsible for taking action when lack of compliance is identified, regardless of division/site or economic pressures. * The Regional Director must be able to coordinate data collection across all affiliates in the region.