Global Trade Compliance Director

Overview

Boston Scientific seeks a Global Trade Compliance Director with strong leadership capabilities, strategic vision and a proven track record of strengthening global compliance programs. The role provides strategic leadership for the company s global trade compliance program, partnering across the enterprise to ensure compliance, enable business growth and drive operational excellence. This position follows a hybrid work model, requiring in-office presence at least three days per week in the local office.

Location:

US-based with possible locations including Arden Hills, MN;
Marlborough, MA;
Maple Grove, MN. Relocation sponsorship is not available at this time.

• Oversee global customs compliance, import and export procedures, policies, documentation and related operational controls.
• Develop and execute the global trade compliance strategy, including risk assessments, mitigation planning, compliance monitoring, internal audits, corrective actions and responses to government inquiries, audits and investigations.
• Enhance, maintain and govern the global trade compliance framework, including policies, standards, procedures, controls and accountability mechanisms across all regions.
• Serve as the primary executive sponsor for customs and trade compliance interactions with government agencies, including audits, disclosures, investigations, enforcement actions and regulatory engagements.
• Lead global customs, import and export compliance, export controls, sanctions, valuation, classification, country of origin, free trade agreements, trade security programs, process standardization, continuous improvement and cross-functional business partnerships.
• Build strategic partnerships with business leaders, suppliers, regulators, legal counsel, Regulatory Affairs and external service providers to proactively manage risk and support business objectives.
• Provide governance and performance oversight of customs brokers, managed service providers, consultants and other external trade compliance partners.
• Oversee data collection, maintenance and governance of information supporting free trade agreement certifications, duty drawback, value reconciliation and related optimization programs.
• Provide executive sponsorship and governance for trade compliance technology platforms, including SAP GTS, automation initiatives, analytics and emerging AI-enabled compliance solutions.
• Identify and lead opportunities to reduce duty spend, recover duties, optimize trade programs and support supply chain strategies that improve financial performance while maintaining compliance.
• Lead strategic trade compliance initiatives to strengthen governance, reduce risk, improve efficiency and support business priorities, including AEO/CTPAT programs, duty drawback, free trade agreement initiatives, value reconciliation, acquisition integration, and automation/AI-enabled solutions.
• Provide trade compliance leadership and risk guidance for sourcing changes, manufacturing footprint decisions, market expansion initiatives, acquisitions, divestitures and new product introductions.
• Lead, develop and inspire a globally distributed trade compliance organization through talent development, succession planning, organizational design, performance management and capability building.
• Present compliance risks, strategic initiatives, savings opportunities and regulatory developments to senior leadership in a clear, business-focused manner.

Required qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of import and export regulations, customs valuation, HTS and ECCN classification, free trade agreements and export control frameworks, including EAR and OFAC requirements.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, risk-based business solutions that support operational priorities.
• Proven ability to influence senior executives, cross-functional partners, external counsel and outsourced trade compliance providers.
• Experience interacting with customs authorities and government agencies.
• Experience leading global teams through organizational change, capability building and sustained growth in a multinational environment.
• Exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex regulatory concepts into clear business guidance.
• Bachelor s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Business or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years  experience in progressive global trade compliance roles.
• Minimum of 5 years  experience leading teams within multinational organizations.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% as business needs require.

Preferred qualifications:

• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker or equivalent trade compliance certification.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP and Global Trade Management systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Descartes).
• Experience in highly regulated industries such as medical device, pharmaceutical, aerospace or similar sectors.
• Experience managing customs audits and responding to government inquiries; experience engaging…