Global Trade Program Manager

About the role

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. This strategic program management role is 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—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. 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 while championing a culture of trade program awareness across the organization.

Responsibilities

• 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 teams and legal during 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, and other 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Additional Information

This role is designed to grow. While the initial focus areas are Supply Chain Security, Sustainability, and Compliance assurance, the incumbent is expected and encouraged to proactively identify and take ownership of additional customs trade programs. As AI reshapes the trade programs landscape, this role is also at the forefront of deploying intelligent tools and defining responsible AI use in regulated supply chain operations.

Pay

An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, ability, knowledge of the job, performance, contribution, results, geographic location, shift, internal and external equity, and business and organizational needs.

The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future and is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York, or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado, and New York.

If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

You may be eligible for bonuses under either WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”), which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and performance.

You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

Benefits

• Paid vacation time
• Paid sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability insurance
• Tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit benefits
• Applause Program
• Employee stock purchase plan
• WD Savings 401(k) Plan