Associate Director, Trade Operations & Customs Processes

Overview

The Role

Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology, with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases.

As an employee, you'll be part of a continually growing organization, working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide, contributing to global health initiatives.

Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience, with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.

This global role will be instrumental in shaping Moderna’s customs operations landscape. As the principal subject matter expert, you will lead the optimization and governance of customs-related processes across all regions. With a focus on standardization, efficiency, compliance, and automation, you’ll ensure that customs clearance activities are seamlessly integrated into Moderna’s end-to-end supply chain operations. You will take ownership of global brokerage oversight, support strategic trade decisions, and guide the deployment of digital solutions like SAP GTS. This is a high-impact, hands-on position requiring strong collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders to uphold trade compliance while enabling agile operations across our international footprint.

Responsibilities

Lead the optimization and execution of global customs processes, ensuring adherence to internal standards and evolving regulatory requirements.

Develop, maintain, and deploy global standard operating procedures (SOPs) for import / export and customs clearance processes.

Manage global customs brokerage performance, including implementation and monitoring of service level agreements (SLAs) and driving continuous improvements.

Oversee global customs clearance activities, identifying and resolving delays, inconsistencies, or operational breakdowns in collaboration with regional stakeholders.

Advance customs operations through process automation, especially in areas like classification, valuation, and origin determination.

Responsibilities (continued)

Act as the subject matter expert for global customs operations, supporting the Trade Compliance team and addressing complex operational issues.

Lead digital trade compliance initiatives, particularly SAP GTS and broker integration workflows, in partnership with Digital / IT teams.

Evaluate tariff impacts and deliver analyses to guide decisions in sourcing, supply chain, and planning while maintaining trade compliance and cost efficiency.

Spearhead the implementation of Importer of Record (IOR) capabilities in new and existing global markets.

Collaborate with Logistics, Supply Chain, Planning, Quality, and Finance teams to ensure customs decisions are embedded in end-to-end workflows.

Participate in international travel as needed for operational reviews, audits, or system deployments.

Carry out additional duties as assigned in line with strategic business needs.

Qualifications

What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, or related field.

Minimum 10 years of experience in trade compliance, with deep customs process execution and brokerage oversight expertise.

What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

Proven experience managing global customs operations and broker networks.

In-depth knowledge of international customs regulations, procedures, and documentation.

Demonstrated success in process optimisation and operational execution in life sciences or highly regulated industries.

Familiarity with SAP GTS or equivalent trade compliance systems.

Ability to work cross-functionally, influence without authority, and manage through change.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Strong decision-making capability under pressure and within tight timelines.

A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Benefits

Quality healthcare and insurance benefits

Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being

Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes

Family planning and adoption benefits

Generous paid time off, including vacation

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