Sr Manager Global Trade Compliance - Trade Programs

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.

Primary Function of Position
The Senior Manager Global Trade Compliance Trade Programs is responsible for
the development of the strategies, policies, processes, tools and solutions that
anchors our trade compliance programs, including but not limited to, global
import and export classification, country of origin, trade preferential, supply
chain security (C-TPAT, AEO), export control / license determination, and other
trade compliance programs. The ideal candidate would be a subject matter
expertise of global trade regulations and experience with customs operations with
a strong track record of delivering projects that involves coordination across
different functions (e.g. tax, supply chain, etc.).
Essential Job Duties
 Develop, implement, and maintain the relevant trade compliance policies,
procedures, manuals, and standard work documents necessary to
successfully manage import and export operations and trade programs.
 Manage compliance and oversee trade programs including classification,
ECCN, preferential and non-preferential origin, Customs valuation, duty
suspension, duty drawback, supply chain security, ADD/CVD, etc.
 Supervise daily trade program activities, processes, and documentation
requirements, setting the standard and conducting audits for accuracy and
regulatory adherence.
 Monitor inquiries from Customs authorities and coordinate response timely
(e.g.; CF28, CF28, Customs audits, etc.

 Responsible for the Customs reconciliation and anti-boycott programs.
 Audit and maintain data governance in SAP and global product database
and applicable trade compliance records in accordance with regulatory
requirements.
 Provide accurate trade data element including product classification, ECCN,
country of origin, license determination to internal business units and
outside service providers to ensure compliance with Customs regulations
and other trade requirements.
 Work with global trade compliance operations and external partners such
as customs broker, freight forwarders, to execute strategies, drive and
enforce global import/ export processes, seek automation opportunities and
leverage technologies.
 Provide global customs and trade compliance guidance to programs that
will result in cost-saving and duty avoidance opportunities.
 Identify tariff engineering opportunities where applicable.
 Build flexible and scalable solutions across various customized technologies,
business models/ supply chain arcs, and country regulatory regimes.
 Manage, mentor, and develop staff including hiring, goal setting,
performance, coaching, teamwork, and projects.
 Serve as a subject matter expert on customs compliance matters, providing
guidance and support to internal stakeholders on complex issues and
transactions.
 Participate as core team member on new product development, new market
launch, new product launch ensuring that all trade compliance
requirements are met.
 Communicate risks, proposals, regulatory updates and strategies to internal
and external stakeholders.
 Assist Regional Trade Compliance managers in researching Customs- and
regulatory requirements for new destination markets including
classification, import licenses, valuation, documentation, and import- and
export restrictions and communicate back to medical device business.
 Submit and monitor import/ export permit/ license applications as needed.
 Interact with IT and Center of Excellence (COE) to streamline and improve
import/ export data for compliance; communicate requirements to IT and
assist with testing and solutions implementation.
 Lead the trade programs software selection, RFP, and implementation.
 Miscellaneous Tariff Bill – monitor, determination of products and filing of
new petitions.

 Implement and maintain adherence to and assist with the Customs-Trade
Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) implementation and annual
validation.
 Regular reporting and presentation to senior management of trade
programs metrics, risks, and status updates.
 Conduct and report findings of internal risk assessments. Follow-up with
Compliance Improvement Plans.
 Provide training to other functional groups on trade programs and import
and export requirements.
 Assist in global and/or regional compliance projects/programs.
 Communicate company policies and procedures to internal and external
stakeholders.
 Provide assistance to company sites, suppliers, and customers in the
continuous improvement of their compliance functions.
 Perform other duties, tasks, special projects as assigned.

Required Skills and Experience
 In depth technical knowledge of global Trade Compliance principles
(customs valuation, incoterms, license and permits, country of origin, HTS
classifications, duty optimization / Free Trade Agreements, export controls
and sanctions etc.)
 In depth knowledge of customs regulations, FDA importing regulations, EAR
& Census Trade requirements.
 10+ years managing and building high performing teams.
 Experience with leading, executing, and maintaining Trade Compliance
programs.
 Demonstrate ability to transform strategic vision into innovative solutions
from existing resources.
 Must possess strong analytical and change management skills, critical
thinking, and problem solving with experience in risk management
processes and gap analysis.
 Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and present effectively
and persuasively at all levels.
 Bring extensive industry knowledge and demonstrated ability to influence at
the Intuitive leadership site level.
 Proficient in the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
 Strong organization skills, able to multi-task, and can manage time to meet
frequently changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

 Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and ability to influence others
through demonstrated expertise. Ability to manage multiple cross-
organizational projects.
 Must be a team player, work effectively both independently and
collaboratively.
 Strong working experience with databases, enterprise resource planning
(ERP), global trade automation solutions, and the Automated Commercial
Environment (ACE) functionality.
 Experience in implementing and maintaining the C-TPAT, PIP, AEO programs
and duty drawback.
 Ability to handle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
while working with multiple stakeholders to develop and scale the programs.
 Detail oriented and highly organized with ability to multi-task and minimal
guidance.
Required Education and Training
 Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain, international business, finance or
similar.
 10+ years of experience in Trade Compliance / Trade Operations
Compliance.
 Licensed Customs Broker – U.S. or similar professional trade certifications.
 Strong global trade programs (classification, ECCN, supply chain security,
duty drawback, preferential and non-preferential origin, etc) experience.
Working Conditions
Normal office conditions.
Travel required (up to 25%) – both domestic and international.
Preferred Skills and Experience
• Understanding and experience with the importation and exportation of
medical devices.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining Global Trade Management
Software.
• Experience in SAP S4/ HANA, Agile, and related transactional and outputs
are preferred.
• Previous customs compliance experience is preferred.
• Six-Sigma experience preferred.
• Fluent in Spanish is a plus.

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please contact People Services at [email protected].

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.