Global Trade Program Manager - C-TPAT

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The Global Customs Trade Programs & Supply Chain Programs Expert is a strategic program management role 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 program — 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 expertise. 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, all while championing a culture of trade program awareness across the organization.

1.  Program Management & Execution

• 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 team members and legal when faced with 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 program and across all 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.

2.  Compliance & Risk Management

• 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.

3.  Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Act as a thought leader — 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.

4.  Training, Awareness & Culture

• 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.

5.  Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• 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.

6.  Documentation & Reporting

• 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.

Education

• 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.

Experience

• 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.

Core Program Management 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.

Domain Expertise

• 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.

Technical & Interpersonal Skills

• 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.

Open Program Mandate

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. If you have a growth mindset, a passion for building best-in-class trade program functions, and an eye toward what AI can unlock, this role offers the scope and autonomy to do exactly that. degree of accuracy when handling complex transactional and compliance‑related data.

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) 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.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range 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.  This range may be modified in the future.
• 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 will be eligible to be considered 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 your 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. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under 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.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/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; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the WD Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].