Associate Trade and Tariffs Director

Jobtailor; Plainsboro Township (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a senior trade & tariff leader in New Jersey to advise executive leadership on critical business, supply chain, and sourcing decisions. You will guide complex, cross-border initiatives, assess regulatory changes, and optimize risk management and governance across global operations.

The role emphasizes deep expertise in U.S. trade, tariffs, customs, and cross-border planning, with a track record of delivering tangible enterprise value through collaborative leadership and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Accounting, Economics, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, International Trade)
• Advanced degree, licensed customs broker, CPA or similar credentials are highly desired
• Minimum 10 years of experience in corporate trade, tariffs, customs, supply chain, or related roles
• Significant experience with U.S. trade, tariffs, customs, import compliance, cross-border planning
• Pharma or regulated industry experience is preferred
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrix environment and influence without authority
• Strong analytical, organizational, documentation, and project management skills
• Proficiency with MS Office and data tools; familiarity with trade/ERP systems like SAP GTS or S/4HANA

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on business, supply chain, manufacturing, and sourcing decisions
• Lead trade and tariff initiatives affecting U.S. and global product flows
• Shape trade strategies aligning regulatory needs with business objectives
• Provide leadership on risk management, governance, and continuous improvement in trade
• Monitor evolving trade developments and brief executives on risks and opportunities
• Act as subject matter expert on U.S. trade, tariffs, customs, and cross-border planning
• Analyze trade legislation, tariff regimes, and customs requirements to identify opportunities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement trade initiatives per business goals
• Drive continuous improvement using technology, analytics, automation, and process enhancements
• Influence product lifecycle, supply chain, and market expansion with trade insights
• Build partnerships to help leaders understand trade implications for decisions
• Represent a voice in enterprise decision-making on trade and cross-border matters

Skills

Strategic leadership

Trade compliance

Data analytics

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree or CPA/license desired

Tools

SAP GTS

S/4HANA

Excel / Analytics tools

Job description

• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership, providing insights and recommendations that support critical business, supply chain, manufacturing, and sourcing decisions.
• Lead high-impact trade and tariff initiatives involving U.S. and global product flows, helping the organization evaluate opportunities, navigate challenges, and sustain operational excellence.
• Shape and support innovative trade and tariff strategies that align regulatory requirements, business objectives, and long-term enterprise value creation.
• Provide leadership on risk management, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen the organization’s trade and tariff capabilities.
• Monitor and interpret rapidly evolving trade developments and provide executives with timely insights on emerging risks, opportunities, and potential business impacts.
• Serve as Novo Nordisk's subject matter expert on U.S. trade, tariff, customs, and cross-border planning matters.
• Analyze and interpret evolving trade legislation, tariff regimes, customs requirements, and international trade developments to identify strategic opportunities and business considerations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to execute approved trade and tariff initiatives that support business objectives while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and governance.
• Drive continuous improvement through the use of technology, analytics, automation, and process enhancements that increase transparency and operational effectiveness.
• Influence strategic business decisions by integrating trade and tariff considerations into product lifecycle planning, supply chain strategy, sourcing decisions, and market expansion initiatives.
• Build trusted partnerships across functions to help leaders understand the business implications of emerging trade developments and make informed, risk-balanced decisions.
• Represent a critical voice in enterprise decision-making forums where trade, customs, tariff, and cross-border considerations can materially impact business outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field, preferably Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, International Trade, or a related discipline.
• Advanced degree, licensed customs broker credential, CPA license, or other relevant certification is highly desired
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in corporate trade, tariffs, customs, supply chain, finance, public accounting, consulting, law firm, or private industry roles, with demonstrated progression in responsibility and complexity
• Significant experience with U.S. trade, tariffs, customs, import compliance, cross-border transactions, or related planning matters is strongly preferred
• Pharmaceutical, life sciences, medical device, or other regulated industry experience is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives in a matrix environment and influence stakeholders without direct authority
• Strong technical research, analytical, organizational, documentation, and project management skills, with the ability to independently evaluate complex issues and recommend practical solutions
• Strong understanding of business processes, systems, controls, and data needs related to trade, customs, tariffs, tax, finance, supply chain, and compliance
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and high aptitude for databases, spreadsheets, analytics, and tax or trade technology applications in an AI embracing organization.
• Experience with enterprise trade or ERP systems, including SAP GTS, S/4HANA, or similar platforms, is desirable
• Strong oral and written communication skills with all levels of the organization, including the ability to translate complex technical matters for non-technical stakeholders
• Demonstrated executive presence, business judgment, learning agility, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and elevate risks appropriately.