Global Trade & Supply Chain Director

The Global Trade & Supply Chain Director role provides regional leadership and subject-matter expertise across trade policy, tariffs, customs, and supply chain resilience. The position will advise global and regional stakeholders on Asia-Pacific developments, with an emphasis on China and India, while designing strategies to mitigate tariff and customs risks and strengthen external advocacy and internal preparedness across manufacturing, sourcing, and logistics networks.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Advice: Advise senior global and regional leaders on trade policy, tariffs, customs, export controls, and localisation measures affecting Asia-Pacific supply chains

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Lead the assessment and mitigation of trade matters affecting factories and sourcing activities in China and India, and develop contingency plans for tariff exposure and cross-border disruption

• Cross-functional Coordination: Translate policy changes into operational actions in collaboration with manufacturing, procurement, logistics, legal, and commercial teams

• External Engagement: Represent the organisation in industry associations and stakeholder forums to influence trade policy and promote predictable trade regimes

• Internal Communications & Readiness: Lead regional communications on trade developments and develop playbooks, training, and readiness plans to support business continuity

• Governance & Working Groups: Participate in cross-functional governance groups focused on supply chain resilience and regulatory responsiveness

• Monitoring & Analysis: Monitor geopolitical and policy developments across Asia-Pacific and provide timely analysis and recommendations to leadership

• Reporting & Team

• Reports to global or regional Government Affairs or Supply Chain leadership

• Works within a matrix structure across regional and global functions may coordinate small specialist teams or external advisers

Requirements

• Significant experience in international trade, customs, tariffs, government affairs, or supply chain strategy with an Asia-Pacific focus

• Deep knowledge of China and India trade frameworks, tariff structures, export controls, and cross-border supply chain risks

• Experience supporting manufacturing or regulated-industry supply chains, preferably within medical technology or healthcare

• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders within a global matrix organisation

• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills

• Spoken and written Mandarin proficiency for regular collaboration and engagement with counterparts in China

• Fluency in English

• Proficiency in additional Asian languages would be an advantage

• Willingness to travel across Asia-Pacific

• Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience in government affairs, customs or tariff advisory, trade risk management, or supply chain resilience programmes

• Experience engaging with industry associations, chambers, and public policy stakeholders

Performance indicators

• Effectiveness of mitigation plans, including reduced tariff and cost exposure and minimised disruption

• Timeliness and clarity of policy briefings and internal communications

• Successful advocacy outcomes and stakeholder engagement

• Cross-functional readiness, including contingency plans, playbooks, and training adoption

What will make a candidate competitive

• Proven track record of shaping trade and customs strategy for Asia-Pacific manufacturing operations, with an emphasis on China and India

• Strong combination of policy insight, commercial judgement, and operational pragmatism

• Established professional network with regulators, customs authorities, and industry bodies across the region

About the company

A global medical technology manufacturer with significant manufacturing and sourcing operations across Asia. The organisation manages complex regional supply chains and applies specialist trade, customs, and supply chain policy expertise to support manufacturing continuity and manage tariff and regulatory risks.

JAC Recruitment Pte. Ltd.
EA Licence: 90C3026
EA Personnel Name: Adrian Leong
EA Personnel: R26160017