Director, Global Trade Services, Communications Solutions

Job Overview

We are building a world class Global Trade Services (GTS) organization and the Communications Solutions Segment is a position that will play a critical role in supporting trade operations and compliance within the Segment and the associated Business Units (BUs). 

The GTS Communications Solutions Segment lead serves as the trade lead and advisor to TE’s Operational Compliance teams within the segment, as well as the primary point of contact to the Segment and BU leadership teams. The purpose of the role is to ensure TE’s compliance, at the Segment level, with import and export regulations globally to enhance global trade compliance, reduce risk, increase responsiveness to issues and opportunities, and facilitate effective operational aspects of international trade. The GTS Communications Solutions Segment lead will be responsible for ensuring the GTS BU compliance teams effectively meet the service level requirements of three BUs: Data & Devices, Appliances and Channel (a channel partner management function).  The Segment lead also champions and coordinates GTS Country Working Groups in for the APAC region; and these groups provide country-focused, cross-business compliance support and collaboration on trade compliance solutions.  

This role reports into TE Connectivity’s Associate General Counsel, Global Trade Services, and is a key member of the Global Trade Services Leadership Team. As part of the GTS team, the GTS Communications Solutions Segment Lead will join a group of professionals who are passionate about ensuring the future growth of the business by providing business solutions for compliance with global trade laws and regulations.  

The successful candidate will be able to collaborate and thrive in a global environment while maintaining integrity, taking accountability, working together, and championing change. 
 

Responsibilities

Trade Transformation

• Promote and execute the TE Trade Transformation project actions for the Segment and corresponding Business Units, while maintaining the current GTS regional structure & responsibilities during the transition.

Lead Trade Compliance Activities in the Segment

• Lead trade operations and provide compliance oversight for the assigned Segment and respective BUs to ensure TE’s compliance with import/export laws and regulations
• Establish and maintain trade operations and compliance activities in accordance with TE policies, procedures, and controls, in collaboration with key stakeholders throughout the Segment and BUs
• Act as the point of contact for Segment leadership, as well as BU General Managers and other BU leadership, on trade-related matters.
• Engage Segment management and counsel to understand business changes and develop trade-related solutions/strategies and controls to ensure compliance and enable business
• Maintain Segment and BU-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reporting to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the operations
• In partnership with GTS Governance, establish and maintain relationships with trade-related government entities

Partner with Trade Compliance Professionals and Stakeholders across the Enterprise

• Lead the GTS Country Working Groups in the APAC Region to coordinate cross-Business trade compliance solutions within the region, and to ensure effective government engagement with customs and export control agencies
• Partner with GTS Governance to monitor trade compliance regulatory and legislative changes, assess the potential impact to the business, and determine the necessary actions and communications to the appropriate stakeholders
• Work with GTS Governance teams to conduct trade compliance audits and oversee corrective action plansPartner with GTS Governance to develop and administer effective trade compliance training as required throughout the region and organization 
• Ensure appropriate utilization of the GTS Operations Service Center for product classification (import and export), restricted party screening, and duty savings compliance, and otherwise ensure proper country of origin determination, valuation, and admissibility
• Work with the Operational Service Centers to identify, evaluate and administer opportunities to facilitate trade in a cost-effective and compliant manner (e.g., make use of applicable free trade agreements, drawback programs, and other duty mitigation measures) 
• Establish and maintain relationships with internal functions, including corporate functions, to encourage awareness of global trade compliance issues, pro-actively identify trade risk and threats, and develop appropriate trade compliance controls

Talent Development & Leadership

• Create a culture of engagement and performance in alignment with TE’s core values 
• Provide timely, thoughtful feedback to support your team’s growth and development
• Lead and coach with empathy
• Create and manage financial and staffing plans and budgets
   

What your background should look like:

Success in the role requires strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, strategic analysis and planning capabilities involving complex situations, highly developed oral and written communication skills and the ability to coordinate interdisciplinary teams (internal and external) to drive issues and projects to conclusion.  

In addition, successful candidate will have the following qualifications, experience, and skills:

• Bachelor's degree required (international business, supply chain, law, or related field)
• 12+ years’ experience in global trade compliance
• 3+ years’ experience in supporting trade functions with a strong preference for experience at an electronics, computer, or other high-tech company
• 5+ years’ experience in functional leadership or senior management in a multinational environment 
• Ability to lead a cross-cultural, multi-country team with significant China/APAC operations, global customers and significant leadership presence in both the US and APAC
• Broad functional knowledge of import and export regulations and familiarity with customs practices in countries across the region, with in-depth knowledge of customs and export laws of China and the broader APAC region
• Familiarity with U.S export control laws and regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to facilitate compliance with US trade rules that apply both within and outside the United States. 
• Proven ability to work with variety of business groups, including supply chain, legal, procurement and finance
• Ability to foster teamwork and internal and external relationships
• Excellent organizational habits, priority management, multi-tasking, and delegation skills 
• Customer focused with a commitment to quality
• Preferred: Customs Broker License other Customs / Trade certification 
• Travel may be necessary in fulfillment of responsibilities
• English language proficiency required and Chinese language preferred
   

Competencies