Executive Director, Global Trade Services and Customs Operations
Job Summary:
Executive Director, Global Trade Services and Customs Operations
Role Overview
The Executive Director serves as the enterprise head of Global Trade Services, holding ultimate functional accountability for the centralized shared services hub, corporate governance architecture, and the 9-figure global trade spend across the Disney corporate footprint. Operating within the IC@D Enterprise Standards, this executive leader serves as the principal architect balancing strict regulatory compliance with high-velocity, cost-optimized transactional performance.
The position acts as the primary executive sponsor for trade modernization, transforming regulatory requirements into scalable operational workflows that proactively insulate regional businesses from geopolitical disruptions, volatile tariff environments, and trade friction. The role owns the long-term strategic roadmap, corporate trade risk segmentation, and cross-functional financial strategies required to optimize enterprise-wide systems, duty savings program sponsorship, and supporting business cases.
Key Responsibilities
- Govern the Shared Service Operating Model: Establish standardized operational KPIs, communication cadences (including bi-weekly Trade Champion reviews), and cost-containment metrics for decentralized segment Trade Champions to ensure alignment and efficiency.
- Own the Global Trade Spend & Multi-Year Capital Investments: Oversee budgets and business case development for duty optimization programs (e.g., Foreign Trade Zones, First Sale Valuation, and Duty Drawbacks).
- Drive Executive Cross-Functional Alignment: Secure strategic cooperation with Corporate Tax, Sourcing, Treasury, and Product teams to embed trade considerations into procurement and product development.
- Sponsor Trade Automation Modernization: Champion scalable, compliant automation and AI integration across trade systems to enhance operational delivery.
- Advise on Trade Policy: Monitor legislative changes and geopolitical factors with Legal and Government Affairs, translating complex developments into actionable business guidance.
- Authorize High-Risk Submissions: Provide final sign-off for material government inquiries or complex regulatory filings.
- Lead Education Programs: Oversee global training initiatives to ensure stakeholders have appropriate trade knowledge.
Basic Qualifications
- 15+ years of global trade/compliance leadership in a public multinational company.
- Proven ability to manage large-scale duty portfolios and establish shared services/COE models.
- Deep expertise in customs valuation, export controls, and regulatory frameworks.
Preferred Education
- BA/BS in International Business or Economics; customs broker license preferred.