Global Trade Strategy & Operations Lead

Scorpion Therapeutics; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals seeks a Director, Head of Global Trade Operations and Strategy to design, implement, and oversee the global trade compliance program while shaping strategies to support growth across R&D, manufacturing, clinical, and commercial activities.

The role emphasizes leading a team, optimizing operating models, and ensuring compliance with U.S. and international regulations as the company expands its footprint globally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, operations, engineering, life sciences, or related.
• 10+ years in biotech/pharma; at least 5 years in trade compliance or related.
• Experience with import/export controls, customs compliance, HTS, country-of-origin, Incoterms, sanctions/OFAC, FTAs, importer/exporter-of-record.
• 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. pharma trade/distribution; cold chain qualification, supply chain security, anti-diversion/anti-counterfeit.
• New product launch experience (specialty pharma preferred).
• Ability to build/lead global cross-functional teams; total landed cost/contract negotiation and structured problem-solving.
• Highly organized with strong written/presentation/proactive communication; travel domestically/internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve the global trade operating model and entity structure.
• Lead country activation with defined operating model and trade documentation.
• Oversee import/export controls, licensing, and sanctions screening.
• Embed trade compliance strategy into network design and product launches.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise on business impacts.
• Lead and develop a global trade compliance team; establish KPIs.
• Enable scalable processes/systems (including SAP) and GTM initiatives.

Skills

Global trade compliance

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory monitoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree (supply chain, business, operations, engineering, life sciences, or related)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals seeks a Director, Head of Global Trade Operations and Strategy to design, implement, and oversee the global trade compliance program while shaping strategies to support growth across R&D, manufacturing, clinical, and commercial activities.

The role emphasizes leading a team, optimizing operating models, and ensuring compliance with U.S. and international regulations as the company expands its footprint globally.