Global Trade Program Manager - C-TPAT

Global Trade Program Manager - C-TPAT

The Global Customs Trade Programs & Supply Chain Programs Expert is a strategic program management role responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving a portfolio of global trade programs. The core focus spans Supply Chain Security (CTPAT/AEO), Environmental Sustainability, Record Retention and AI Enabled Compliance assurance program with an open mandate to expand into additional customs trade program domains as the business evolves.

The ideal candidate brings a blend of strong program management expertise and deep subject matter knowledge in customs and trade programs expertise. They are a thought leader who can strategize, build governance frameworks, drive programs to completion, and adapt to an ever-changing regulatory landscape leveraging AI tools and automation to work smarter, all while championing a culture of trade program awareness across the organization.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and lead end-to-end program management for customs trade program initiatives including Supply Chain Security, Sustainability, Record retention and Compliance assurance programs with the agility to onboard additional customs programs.
• Drive Western Digital to secure and maintain CTPAT Trade Compliance certification; support global sites in securing and/or retaining AEO certifications.
• Serve as liaison with internal team members and legal when faced with audits from CBP and other regulatory bodies;
• Evaluate and deploy AI-powered tools to streamline trade program workflows including Supply Chain Security risk assessment, Compliance assurance program and across all managed programs.
• Integrate sustainability requirements into supply chain operations, ensuring alignment with internal ESG goals and external regulatory obligations.
• Institute robust governance models for all managed programs; participate actively in industry associations to benchmark and enhance program value.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities across the supply chain trade programs portfolio.
• Leverage AI-assisted monitoring tools to continuously scan for regulatory changes, supply chain anomalies, and emerging trade program risks in real time.
• Develop and maintain an Internal Control Program to ensure systemic trade program adherence across all program areas.
• Maintain readiness for regulatory inquiries, third-party audits, and certification renewals.
• Act as a thought leader define the strategic roadmap for each trade program, balancing near-term deliverables with long-term scalability.
• Identify and implement technology solutions to automate manual processes, reduce cost, and improve program effectiveness.
• Champion responsible AI adoption within trade program operations define guardrails, evaluate vendor AI tools, and ensure AI use aligns with regulatory expectations and internal governance standards.
• Partner with IT and data teams to build AI/ML-powered dashboards and analytics that surface trade program trends, predict risk, and support executive decision-making.
• Analyze program performance data to surface improvement opportunities; drive structured continuous improvement cycles.
• Proactively identify adjacent customs trade program domains (e.g., trade programs, duty management, origin programs) and develop business cases to expand the program portfolio.
• Design and deliver role-specific training programs for employees, suppliers, and stakeholders across all trade program domains.
• Champion a culture of trade program awareness and security awareness throughout the organization.
• Develop accessible playbooks, reference materials, and e-learning content to scale trade program knowledge.
• Partner closely with Logistics, Legal, IT, Finance, and Business Unit teams to embed trade program requirements into business operations seamlessly.
• Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other external partners to ensure supply chain-wide adherence.
• Represent the organization in industry forums, regulatory working groups, and with government agencies.
• Maintain comprehensive records of program activities: audits, risk assessments, certifications, and training.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory filings and reports to CBP and other relevant authorities.
• Provide executive-level reporting on program status, risks, and KPIs.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Certified Licensed Customs Broker (preferred).
• Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (DGR).
• Additional certifications in trade programs, sustainability, or program management (e.g., PMP) are a plus.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience managing global supply chain trade programs, including hands-on responsibility for at least two of: Supply Chain Security (CTPAT/AEO), Dangerous Goods (IATA/Hazmat), Supply Chain Sustainability, or customs trade programs.
• Demonstrated track record of building programs from the ground up obtaining certifications, designing governance frameworks, and scaling operations.
• Experience working directly with customs authorities (e.g., CBP) and international regulatory bodies.
• Experience in technology-intensive supply chains, preferably in the semiconductor, electronics, or manufacturing sector.

Core Program Management Skills:

• Ability to manage a portfolio of concurrent trade programs with competing priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong project planning, milestone tracking, risk management, and executive communication skills.
• Comfort operating in ambiguous environments able to define scope, build structure, and execute with limited guidance.
• Change management and organizational influence skills; ability to drive adoption without direct authority.

Domain Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of CTPAT requirements, AEO frameworks, and international trade security regulations.
• Expertise with supply chain sustainability standards (e.g., GHG Protocol, CDP, EU CSRD) and ESG reporting requirements.
• Broad understanding of global customs regulations, trade programs, classification, and valuation principles.

Technical & Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent executive communication and presentation skills ability to distill complex regulatory topics for senior leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; data-driven approach to risk and performance management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with trade management systems (TMS), trade program platforms, or ERP systems is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with AI tools for trade program tasks such as document review, risk scoring, regulatory change tracking, or automated reporting strongly preferred.
• High learning agility and growth mindset eager to take on new programs and expand expertise into emerging trade program domains.