Associate Trade & Tariffs Director

Novo Nordisk A/S; Plainsboro Township (NJ); On-site; USD 152,700 - 267,300; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk is seeking an Associate Director, Trade & Tariffs, to shape the enterprise response to U.S. trade, tariff, customs, and cross-border challenges.

You will advise senior leadership, influence supply chain and manufacturing decisions, and collaborate across Corporate Tax, Legal, Public Affairs, and IT to manage risk and unlock opportunities. This role offers visibility to senior leaders and requires deep regulatory knowledge, strategic thinking, and strong executive presence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree or CPA desirable
• 10+ years in corporate trade, tariffs, or related roles with progression
• Significant experience with U.S. trade, tariffs, customs, or cross-border planning
• Pharmaceutical or regulated industry experience preferred
• Strong ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrix environment
• Proficiency in data, analytics, and trade technology applications

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic advisor to leadership on trade and tariff decisions
• Lead high-impact trade and tariff initiatives for U.S. and global product flows
• Shape trade strategies aligning regulatory requirements with business goals
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute trade initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement through technology and analytics

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, International Trade, or related discipline

Advanced degree or CPA/license desirable

Tools

SAP GTS

S/4HANA

Microsoft Office

Job description

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The Finance & Operations department brings insights and intelligence to inform decision making & drives digitalization and business solutions to attain NNI goals. Finance & Operations works closely across the organization to guide enterprise-wide resource allocations, investment choices, drive core operations and develop insights to drive growth and operational excellence across the value chain while innovating for future capabilities. Our focus on innovation ensures we're constantly building future capabilities. We're responsible for regulating accounting, upholding workplace safety, managing our supply chain and sampling, supporting technological and data innovation, maintaining our facilities and assuring the integrity and completeness of all business transactions. At Novo Nordisk, you will have the opportunity to build a career in a global business environment. We encourage our employees to make the most of their talent, and we reward hard work and dedication with opportunities for continuous learning and personal development. Are you ready to maximize your potential with us?

The Position

At Novo Nordisk, we are navigating one of the most dynamic and consequential trade environments in decades. As Associate Director, Trade & Tariffs, you will have the unique opportunity to help shape the enterprise's response to evolving U.S. trade, tariff, customs, and cross-border challenges while supporting one of the world's leading healthcare companies.

This highly visible role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and key business stakeholders, providing strategic guidance on complex trade and tariff matters that influence supply chain decisions, sourcing strategies, manufacturing operations, and business growth. You will work at the intersection of Corporate Tax, Supply Chain, Legal, Public Affairs, Finance, and IT to identify opportunities, manage risks, and support informed decision-making across the enterprise.

The position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to build and influence a growing trade and tariff capability, help shape long-term strategy, and drive meaningful business outcomes in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Relationships

The Associate Director will serve as a key U.S. trade and tariff advisor within Novo Nordisk, partnering closely with Corporate Tax and business leaders across the organization. This role provides broad exposure to senior leaders and decision-makers responsible for manufacturing, sourcing, logistics, market access, public policy, and commercial operations.

Success in this position requires strong collaboration, strategic influence, and the ability to translate complex technical developments into actionable business recommendations. The role also partners with external advisors and industry experts to help ensure Novo Nordisk remains proactive and well-positioned in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

Essential Functions

Strategy, Leadership & Oversight:

• 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.

Trade & Tariffs Advisory

• 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.

Business Partnering

• 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.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Join Novo Nordisk during a period of unprecedented transformation in global trade and healthcare. This role offers the opportunity to influence enterprise strategy, partner with senior leaders, tackle complex and highly visible challenges, and help shape the future of trade and tariff management for a company committed to improving the lives of millions of patients worldwide.

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required. Ability to work in an office-based environment and collaborate effectively with local, regional, and global stakeholders across time zones.

Qualifications

• 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 escalation risks appropriately

The base compensation range for this position is $152,700 to $267,300. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance.

Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.

Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy, and parental leave policy.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.