Global Trade Compliance Director

About the role

Boston Scientific was recognized as a Glassdoor Best Place to Work in 2026, ranking No. 15 on the Top 100 list, reflecting the culture our employees experience every day. We are seeking a Global Trade Compliance Director with strong leadership capabilities, strategic vision and a proven track record of strengthening global compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee global customs compliance, import and export procedures, policies, documentation and related operational controls.
• Develop and execute the global trade compliance strategy, including risk assessments, mitigation planning, compliance monitoring, internal audits, corrective actions and responses to government inquiries, audits and investigations.
• Enhance, maintain and govern the global trade compliance framework, including policies, standards, procedures, controls and accountability mechanisms across all regions.
• Serve as the primary executive sponsor for customs and trade compliance interactions with government agencies, including audits, disclosures, investigations, enforcement actions and regulatory engagements.
• Lead global customs, import and export compliance, export controls, sanctions, valuation, classification, country of origin, free trade agreements, trade security programs, process standardization, continuous improvement and cross-functional business partnerships.
• Build strategic partnerships with business leaders, suppliers, regulators, legal counsel, Regulatory Affairs and external service providers to proactively manage risk and support business objectives.
• Provide governance and performance oversight of customs brokers, managed service providers, consultants and other external trade compliance partners.
• Oversee the collection, maintenance and governance of data supporting free trade agreement certifications, duty drawback, value reconciliation and related optimization programs.
• Provide executive sponsorship and business governance for trade compliance technology platforms, including SAP GTS, automation initiatives, analytics and emerging AI-enabled compliance solutions.
• Identify and lead opportunities to reduce duty spend, recover duties, optimize trade programs and support supply chain strategies that improve financial performance while maintaining compliance.
• Lead strategic trade compliance initiatives that strengthen governance, reduce risk, improve efficiency and support business priorities, including:
• Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) programs.
• Duty drawback and duty optimization programs.
• Free trade agreement initiatives.
• Value reconciliation programs.
• Acquisition integration activities.
• Trade process automation and AI-enabled compliance solutions.
• Provide trade compliance leadership and risk guidance for sourcing changes, manufacturing footprint decisions, market expansion initiatives, acquisitions, divestitures and new product introductions.
• Lead, develop and inspire a globally distributed trade compliance organization through talent development, succession planning, organizational design, performance management and capability building.
• Present compliance risks, strategic initiatives, savings opportunities and regulatory developments to senior leadership in a clear, business-focused manner.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of import and export regulations, customs valuation, HTS and ECCN classification, free trade agreements and export control frameworks, including EAR and OFAC requirements.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, risk-based business solutions that support operational priorities.
• Proven ability to influence senior executives, cross-functional partners, external counsel and outsourced trade compliance providers.
• Experience interacting with customs authorities and government agencies.
• Experience leading global teams through organizational change, capability building and sustained growth in a multinational environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex regulatory concepts into clear, concise business guidance.
• Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Business or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years' experience in progressive global trade compliance roles.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience leading teams within multinational organizations.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker or equivalent trade compliance certification.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP and Global Trade Management systems, including SAP GTS, Oracle GTM or Descartes.
• Experience working in a highly regulated industry, such as medical device, pharmaceutical, aerospace or a similar sector.
• Experience managing customs audits and responding to government inquiries.
• Experience engaging with non-U.S. customs authorities, trade agencies and regulatory bodies, including interpreting and applying country-specific import, export and trade compliance requirements.
• Experience managing outsourced trade compliance operations and global brokerage networks.