Director Global Trade Compliance

Job Description

General/Position Summary

The Director, Global Trade Compliance is responsible for developing, owning, maintaining, and executing global trade compliance business processes, global trade management systems, and associated regulatory compliance activities.

This role supports all Vertex supply chain models—including finished goods distribution, commercial manufacturing, clinical materials, development, research shipments, and other cross-border movements—across all geographies in which Vertex operates. The Director leads the Global Trade Compliance (GTC) business process and regulatory compliance team, resolving operational challenges, advancing strategic solutions, and ensuring consistent, accurate, efficient, and compliant customs declarations and related activities that support Vertex and the patients we serve.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of Vertex’s supply chain operating models, including finished goods distribution, commercial manufacturing, clinical, development, and research materials. Lead the GTC team responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable trade compliance processes and systems aligned to these models.
• Lead the GTC team responsible for interpreting and operationalizing global trade compliance requirements, with particular focus on the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom. Identify and implement strategic, best-practice solutions that meet applicable requirements.
• Oversee trade compliance activities across import and export customs declarations, including customs valuation, tariff classification, country of origin, partner government agency requirements, duty-mitigation programs, export controls, and licensing.
• Drive the global strategy for GTC processes and systems in partnership with Supply Chain, Operations, Legal, Tax, Finance, Accounting, Regulatory, Data Technology and Engineering (DTE), Office of Business Ethics and Integrity (OBIE), and other relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor trade actions, legislation, and regulatory and administrative developments to identify changes that may affect Vertex. Partner with Government Affairs and other stakeholders to assess impacts and support advocacy activities, as appropriate.
• Develop and deploy processes and systems to monitor global tariffs and optimize duty costs across Vertex’s end-to-end supply chains. This includes inventory-management programs such as duty drawback, inward processing, and foreign-trade zones; end-use and availability programs, including U.S. prototype and tariff-suspension programs; and bilateral or multilateral free-trade agreements.
• Establish priorities based on business requirements and resource availability, enabling the GTC team to adapt effectively to evolving business and patient needs.
• Support governance and performance management of managed service providers, customs brokers, and other subject-matter experts performing critical trade compliance activities.
• Develop and implement operational and compliance metrics to support timely export, customs release, and delivery of shipments. Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes to address performance issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as a key strategic partner to the Senior Director, Global Trade Strategy & Compliance in developing and executing a global trade compliance strategy and governance model that enables Vertex’s growth across markets, medicines, and modalities.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Required Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience across global trade compliance activities within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or similarly regulated global manufacturing organization.
• Experience gained through a trade compliance consulting firm or strategic service provider may offset a portion of direct industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a global, complex operating environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven track record of successfully leading, developing, and retaining high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical or life sciences supply chains and operations, including finished goods distribution, manufacturing, clinical, development, and research materials.
• Advanced knowledge of global trade compliance and export control regulations, with direct experience in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom, as well as familiarity with requirements in other key countries and regions.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex trade compliance and export-control requirements into practical, scalable solutions for pharmaceutical or life sciences operations.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, evaluate options, and drive sustainable solutions.
• Excellent communication and executive presence, including the ability to explain complex trade and regulatory topics clearly, concisely, and in a manner relevant to Vertex’s business, products, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and influence cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced, evolving organization.
• Experience with global trade management systems, other digital platforms, and the practical application of automation and artificial intelligence to improve trade compliance processes.
• Experience addressing European Union trade, customs, and VAT requirements, including the regulatory complexities associated with operating in the EU market.
• Experience developing and deploying effective trade compliance training programs in a manufacturing or similarly regulated environment.
• Familiarity with tax and accounting concepts, including transfer pricing, intellectual property, and standard costs, as well as experience developing compliant customs valuation programs that align with these concepts.

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range:

$178,200 - $267,200

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Remote-Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Remote-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
1.    Remote: work remotely five days per week and come into the office on occasion – you’re always welcome on-site; or select 
2.    Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
3.    On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. 

#LI-Remote

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com