Director, Global Trade and Operations Strategy

Scorpion Therapeutics; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Competitive salary

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a senior leader to design and evolve our global trade and operating models, ensuring compliance with U.S. and international regulations.

You will lead country activation with Regulatory, Commercial, Finance, Tax and Legal, driving tariff strategies and KPI-driven improvements across a growing biotech footprint. The role requires 10+ years in biotech/pharma trade compliance, hands-on experience with import/export controls, and a proven ability to lead global

Qualifications

• 10+ years biotech/pharma experience in trade/compliance
• 5+ years in trade compliance, global supply chain operations, operating model design
• Experience with import/export controls, customs, HTS, country of origin, Incoterms, sanctions/OFAC, FTAs, IOR/EOR
• Experience designing/evolving operating models (legal entities, intercompany flows, country activation)
• GxP distribution compliance (GDP, DSCSA, EU FMD; serialization/track-and-trace)
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and ex-U.S. pharma supply chains and regulations
• Leadership in global cross-functional teams
• Business case development and financial acumen
• Strong written/presentation/proactive communication skills
• Willingness to travel domestically/internationally

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve Arrowhead’s global trade and operating model (IOR/ERO structures, entity setup, intercompany flows)
• Lead country activation with Regulatory, Commercial, Finance, Tax and Legal
• Anticipate footprint changes as the business expands internationally
• Align the operating model with the global physical supply network
• Own and enhance the global trade compliance framework (policies aligned with CBP, OFAC, DEA, FDA)
• Maintain governance, risk assessments, monitoring, internal controls, and executive reporting
• Ensure internal controls for classification, valuation, licensing, documentation, screening, sanctions compliance
• Advise leadership on trade/geopolitical developments; establish KPIs and drive improvement
• Implement tariff mitigation/duty optimization (First Sale for Export, duty drawback, FTAs, FTZs)
• Support logistics provider onboarding and adherence to trade policies
• Lead and develop a global trade compliance team; drive training and accountability
• Partner with IT/Supply Chain on scalable processes/systems (including SAP) and global trade management initiatives

Skills

Biotech/pharma experience

Trade compliance

Global supply chain operations

Operating model design

Executive communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve Arrowhead’s global trade and operating model (importer-of-record/exporter-of-record structures, legal entity setup, intercompany flow design, ex-U.S. supply pathways).
• Lead country activation (operating model, supply pathway, and trade documentation) with Regulatory, Commercial, Finance, Tax, and Legal.
• Anticipate footprint changes as the business expands internationally.
• Align the operating model with the global physical supply network.
• Own and enhance the global trade compliance framework (import/export policies and procedures aligned with U.S. CBP, OFAC, DEA, FDA and relevant international agencies/programs).
• Maintain governance, risk assessments, monitoring, internal controls, and executive reporting.
• Ensure internal controls for classification, valuation, licensing, documentation, restricted party screening, sanctions compliance, and country-of-origin.
• Advise leadership on trade/geopolitical developments; establish KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Implement tariff mitigation/duty optimization (First Sale for Export, duty drawback, FTAs, Foreign Trade Zones as applicable).
• Support logistics service provider onboarding/qualification and ensure adherence to trade policies.
• Lead and develop a global trade compliance team; drive training and accountability.
• Partner with IT/Supply Chain on scalable processes/systems (including SAP), process harmonization, and global trade management system initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (supply chain, business, operations, engineering, life sciences, or related).
• 10+ years biotech/pharma experience; 5+ years in trade compliance, global supply chain operations, operating model design, or related.
• Experience with import/export controls, customs compliance/HTS, country-of-origin, Incoterms, sanctions/OFAC, FTAs, and IOR/EOR structures.
• Experience designing/evolving operating models (legal entities, intercompany flows, country activation).
• Hands-on GxP distribution compliance (GDP, DSCSA, EU FMD; serialization/track-and-trace).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and ex-U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain and regulations.
• Cold chain qualification, security, anti-diversion/anti-counterfeit experience.
• New product launch experience (specialty launch strongly preferred).
• Expansion from rare disease to larger patient populations (desirable).
• Leadership in global cross-functional teams.
• Business case development, total landed cost analysis, contract negotiation, financial acumen.
• Strong written/presentation/proactive communication; ability to translate complexity into executive decisions.
• Willingness to travel domestically/internationally.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA/Master’s).
• Passion for science-driven storytelling and RNAi mission.
• Experience developing operations network strategies for a growing global market.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.