Global Trade Program and Systems Governance Manager Robotics

Overview

Global Trade Program and Systems Governance Manager Robotics at ABB. Hybrid working model. Preferred location for: China, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland and the US.

This position reports to: Trade & Logistics.

The mission of the Global Trade Program and Systems Governance Manager is to ensure the global governance, development, and continuous enhancement of ABB's Global Trade Program and its core enabling technology, the SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) system. The role integrates program strategy with systems infrastructure to ensure all global trade operations are executed with high efficiency, control, and compliance with external regulations and ABB internal policies. It also drives strategic trade initiatives such as the application of Free Trade Agreements and supports the business with a robust framework of governance, processes, and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance, enhancement, and project management of the ABB Global Trade Program and the SAP GTS system. Collaborate with IS organizations, master data teams, and other stakeholders to identify gaps, develop mitigation proposals, and align the program and its systems infrastructure with regulatory and business requirements. Benchmark the program against industry standards and drive project development in accordance with ABB standards.
• Translate governance requirements into program elements and system configurations. Manage the Trade Governance Council and the SAP GTS Application Review Board, serving as the PMO for global workstreams. Develop and maintain the internal control framework, ensuring critical controls and segregation of duties within systems and processes. Draft and facilitate blueprints, guidelines, instructions, and other documentation for the program and its systems.
• Act as the functional expert for SAP GTS (Export Control, Sanctions, Customs Compliance, Operations). Ensure integration between connected systems (SAP ECC6, GTS, DMS, Salesforce, etc.) for screening, classification, and customs activities. Establish SAP GTS as the central data repository for product classification and automate key controls to enhance data visibility.
• Collaborate with the Global Trade Excellence Manager and business stakeholders to identify, develop, and implement relevant trade KPIs, dashboards, and reporting structures. Ensure the trade program and systems enable effective tracking of performance and analytics for management visibility.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a global communication structure and a comprehensive training framework for the Global Trade Program and the SAP GTS system. Deliver training to key target groups (super-users, regular users, senior management) to ensure critical knowledge across the organization.
• Formulate annual action plans and budget proposals. Ensure project targets are achieved and results are delivered on time and within budget for both program and systems initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with over 10 years of extensive knowledge and understanding of Global Trade applications, in particular SAP GTS (especially the compliance and customs modules), and understanding of ERP systems (preferably SAP / SAP ECC6).
• Experience with structured project management and system governance.
• Strong knowledge of export control and customs rules and regulations (potential for further development in early stages).
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Business mindset, responsiveness, ownership, self-driven attitude, willingness to explore and learn.
• Experience with end-to-end supply chain processes, risk management and internal controls; ability to translate business processes into functional IT requirements.
• Capability to train and advise others on system use and administrative requirements.
• Team player with good English communication skills; additional languages are a plus.

Additional Context

This role is part of ABB’s Robotics business, positioned as the company transitions toward becoming an independent entity. It offers opportunities to contribute to a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Not Applicable
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing