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Global Trade Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waters Corporation

Director, Global Trade

Milford, MA · On-site

Position Summary The Director, Global Trade Compliance & Trade Operations is a senior enterprise leader responsible for defining and advancing the company's global trade strategy, integrating ...

Robert Half

Global Trade Compliance

Charlotte, NC · Remote

$34 - $37/hr

S. Customs regulations, supporting import operations, analyzing trade data, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the global trade function. This is an excellent opportunity for a ...

Healthcare

Trade Operations Import Analyst*

Eagan, MN · Hybrid

Trade Operations Import Analyst 3M Health Care is now Solventum At Solventum, we enable better ... Work with Global Trade Compliance to research Partner Government Agencies (PGA) requirements with ...

Solventum

Trade Operations Import Analyst*

Eagan, MN · On-site

Trade Operations Import Analyst 3M Health Care is now Solventum At Solventum, we enable better ... Work with Global Trade Compliance to research Partner Government Agencies (PGA) requirements with ...

Moderna Therapeutics

Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients. As a key member of our Global Trade & Operations organization, you'll play a ...

L3HHCM20

IT Global Trade Systems Analyst

Tallahassee, FL · On-site +1

$96K - $178K/yr

Design IT solutions to support global trade operations, including customs compliance, import/export processes, and trade finance. * Ensure solutions align with business goals, regulatory requirements ...

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Global Trade Operations information

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$11

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How much do global trade operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for global trade operations in the United States is $26.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is global trade operations?

Global Trade Operations refer to the processes and activities involved in managing the movement of goods, services, and information across international borders. This includes handling import/export compliance, logistics coordination, customs documentation, and regulatory requirements. Professionals in this field ensure that transactions are efficient, cost-effective, and comply with local and international laws. Their work is crucial for businesses that operate globally, as it minimizes delays and reduces risks associated with cross-border trade.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in global trade operations?

To excel in Global Trade Operations, professionals need a strong understanding of international trade regulations, logistics, and supply chain management, often supported by a degree in business, logistics, or a related field. Familiarity with trade compliance software, ERP systems, and customs documentation tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective cross-cultural communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the smooth, compliant, and cost-effective movement of goods across borders in a complex global environment.

What are some common challenges faced in global trade operations, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Global Trade Operations often encounter challenges related to navigating complex international regulations, managing diverse documentation requirements, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders across different time zones. To address these challenges, teams typically rely on robust compliance systems, regular training on changing trade laws, and strong communication protocols with logistics providers, customs brokers, and internal departments. Staying proactive and detail-oriented is crucial for ensuring timely and efficient movement of goods while minimizing the risk of delays or regulatory issues.

What is the difference between Global Trade Operations vs Customs Compliance Specialist?

AspectGlobal Trade OperationsCustoms Compliance Specialist
Primary FocusManaging international trade processes, logistics, and supply chain complianceEnsuring adherence to customs regulations and import/export documentation
CertificationsGlobal Trade Professional (GTP), import/export certificationsCustoms Broker License, import/export compliance certifications
Work EnvironmentLogistics companies, multinational corporations, supply chain departmentsCustoms agencies, import/export departments, freight forwarders
Industry UsageBroadly used in global supply chain managementSpecifically focused on customs and import/export compliance

Global Trade Operations professionals oversee the entire international trade process, including logistics, documentation, and compliance across multiple regions. Customs Compliance Specialists focus specifically on customs regulations and ensuring shipments meet legal requirements. While both roles require knowledge of import/export procedures and certifications, Global Trade Operations has a broader scope, whereas Customs Compliance Specialists concentrate on customs-specific tasks.

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What states have the most Global Trade Operations jobs?

States with the most job openings for Global Trade Operations jobs include:

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Global Trade Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Global Trade Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,588 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Director, Global Trade

Waters Corporation

Milford, MA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview
Position Summary
The Director, Global Trade Compliance & Trade Operations is a senior enterprise leader responsible for defining and advancing the company's global trade strategy, integrating regulatory compliance with world-class import/export operations. This role operates at the intersection of risk governance and supply chain execution, ensuring the organization can scale globally while maintaining strict adherence to international trade laws.
This role carries elevated scope, visibility, and influence-serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and a key enabler of global growth. The Director will lead transformation initiatives, shape global policy, and build a forward-looking trade capability that supports a complex, innovation-driven life sciences business.
Typical tasks of the position include, but are not limited to
Key Responsibilities
  1. Global Trade Strategy & Executive Advisory
  • Define and lead the enterprise-wide vision and multi-year roadmap for global trade compliance and operations.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on trade-related risks, opportunities, and geopolitical developments.
  • Translate complex regulatory environments into actionable business strategies that enable growth while safeguarding compliance.
  • Drive alignment between global trade strategy and broader supply chain, commercial, and innovation priorities.
  1. Enterprise Compliance Governance & Oversight
  • Establish and maintain a robust global compliance framework, including policies, controls, and governance mechanisms across all regions and business units.
  • Provide executive-level oversight of compliance with:
    • Export controls (EAR)
    • Sanctions/embargo regulations (OFAC, EU, UN)
    • Global customs and import/export regulations
  • Lead enterprise risk assessments, compliance audits, and regulatory readiness efforts.
  • Oversee investigation, escalation, and resolution of complex compliance issues, including voluntary disclosures where necessary.
  • Interface directly with regulatory authorities and internal / external counsel on high-impact matters.
  1. Integrated Global Trade Operations Leadership
  • Own end-to-end global import/export performance, ensuring seamless integration between compliance requirements and operational execution.
  • Drive operational excellence and standardization across regions, balancing global consistency with regional regulatory needs.
  • Oversee strategic partnerships with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
  • Establish and govern performance metrics tied to service, cost, compliance, and customer impact.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance resilience, visibility, and agility across global trade flows.
  1. Risk Mitigation & Trade Optimization
  • Anticipate and proactively manage risks related to sanctions, export controls, classification, valuation, and country-of-origin.
  • Lead advanced trade optimization strategies, including:
    • Free Trade Agreement (FTA) programs
    • Duty savings and avoidance mechanisms
    • Tariff mitigation and classification strategies (e.g. FSFE, NRI)
  • Continuously evaluate global trade landscapes to identify risks and opportunities tied to geopolitical shifts and regulatory changes.
  1. Digital Transformation & Data-Driven Leadership
  • Own the global trade technology strategy, including the implementation and optimization of Global Trade Management (GTM) systems.
  • Champion automation, data integrity, and analytics to enhance compliance accuracy and operational efficiency.
  • Drive integration of trade systems into core ERP and supply chain platforms to enable end-to-end visibility.
  • Leverage advanced analytics to inform decision-making, monitor risk indicators, and improve performance outcomes.
  1. Cross-Functional Influence & Business Partnership
  • Serve as a key partner to Supply Chain, Legal, Manufacturing, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial leadership.
  • Provide proactive guidance on trade implications for product development, technology transfers, market expansion, and M&A activities.
  • Influence enterprise decision-making by embedding trade considerations early in strategic initiatives.
  • Elevate trade compliance as a business enabler rather than a control function.
  1. Organizational Leadership & Capability Building
  • Lead, scale, and develop a globally distributed organization spanning compliance and trade operations.
  • Build a strong leadership bench and succession pipeline, with a focus on long-term capability development.
  • Establish a high-performance culture centered on accountability, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct.
  • Deliver enterprise-wide training and awareness programs to strengthen compliance culture.

The successful candidate will have a combination of knowledge, skills, and experience that would include the following
Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Law, or related field (advanced degree strongly preferred).
  • 12-15+ years of progressive experience in global trade compliance and international logistics, including significant leadership scope.
  • Demonstrated success leading global trade programs in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or other highly regulated industries.
  • Experience interacting with executive leadership and influencing enterprise-level decisions.

Technical Expertise
  • Deep expertise in export controls, sanctions regulations, customs compliance, and global logistics.
  • Advanced knowledge of classification (ECCN/HTS), licensing, valuation, and origin rules.
  • Strong experience with GTM systems (e.g., SAP GTS) and ERP integration.
  • Proven ability to lead audits, regulatory engagements, and complex compliance investigations.

Leadership & Competencies
  • Proven ability to operate with autonomy in high-impact, high-visibility roles.
  • Strong strategic orientation combined with disciplined execution.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management, with the ability to influence at executive levels.
  • Demonstrated success leading transformation and building scalable global capabilities.

Company Description
Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.
Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

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