Director of International Trade Services

Director of International Trade Services

The Director of International Trade Services is responsible for leading import and export trade operations across North and South America, with overall accountability for departmental performance, compliance, and growth. This role provides strategic direction for personnel, operations, and capital asset requirements while driving the execution of growth initiatives and expansion of service capabilities. The position oversees a team of 30–45 employees through management-level direct reports and is accountable for compliance, budget performance, internal and external partner satisfaction, growth metrics, distribution and cross-dock operations, and the performance of carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other trade partners.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Integrate disaggregated import and export operations and related job functions into one cohesive operating unit within the Univar Solutions Supply Chain & Operations organization.

• Develop streamlined process and improved workflow to deliver regular operational excellence to internal and external partners.

• Develop annual strategic plans, operating budget plans and CAPEX budget plans for the function

• Planning & Execution of Growth

• Identify opportunities to innovate to increase partner value regarding the handling of international trade activities.

• Identify opportunities that will allow for growth into new markets by maximizing streamlined operations, collaboration with partners and leveraging experienced personnel.

• Leadership

• Provide leadership (lead, teach & coach) that inspires and supports International Trade Services team to stretch their capabilities and contribute to positive leaps in organizational performance.

• Develop on-going Subject Matter Expertise in leadership and International Trade Services.

• Collaborate with executive management to achieve organizational goals.

• Encourage & inspire safety culture – leading by example.

• Performance Accountability

• Oversight of department activity to ensure legal compliance, adherence to company policies and procedures and excellent value to internal and external partners.

• Deliver consistent, on-time, cost effective business operations that are executed with a “Serious about Safety” operational approach.

• Continuous improvement and streamlining of operations.

• Management of annual strategy, operating budget plan and CAPEX budget plan.

• Ensure completion of internal audits and support legal with any necessary prior disclosures.

• Budgetary responsibility for OPEX of import & export departments, including internal personnel & 3rd party services received.

• Deliver financial cost savings identified via budget & annual operating plan processes via process improvements, expense reductions or other changes to other productivity drivers.

• Support revenue generating via cost effective & consistent service delivery, making growth of supplier products and/or customer / commercial sales volume.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for concentration in business administration, supply chain/ logistics, engineering or economics. Masters’ degree with similar concentration, a plus.
• 5+ years in global / international trade operations, including responsibility for import and/or export for North America locations.
• 5+ years leading operational personnel with direct accountability for hiring, development, performance management and termination processes.
• 3+ years operational facility management and leadership.
• 3+ years managing 3rd party partners for ocean carriage, freight forwarding, customs house brokerage & other operational support partners.
• Certifications in; International Air Transport Association (IATA), Export Trade Certificate (ETCA), NCBFAA Certifications (CCS, CES, MES), among others, is a plus.

WHERE YOU'LL WORK:

• This position will be based out of the The Woodlands, TX.

PAY & BENEFITS:

• The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location
• Available employee benefits include health, vision, dental coverage, along with industry-leading retirement and time off programs.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• Strong work/life flexibility

• To be surrounded by an inclusive team who is collaborative and committed to the achievement of the company

• To be rewarded for your contributions with a targeted annual company bonus (if applicable to your role) and annual salary reviews.

• Competitive pay and benefits

• Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives from life-saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more. Our global team of more than 9,500 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!

• We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.

• Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe!

• We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges the unique experiences, perspectives and expertise of individuals and provides the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry.

• Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the hiring process, please contact us.

• Univar Solutions does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms (collectively Recruiting Firms). Recruiting Firms must enter into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Univar Solutions prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. All searches must be initiated by Univar Solutions' Talent Acquisition team and candidates must be submitted via Applicant Tracking System (ATS) by approved vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless the aforementioned conditions have been met. Contacting our hiring managers directly is prohibited.

• Nearest Major Market: Houston

Job Segment:

• Recruiting, Compliance, Human Resources, Legal