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Specialist, Trade Compliance - Job Opportunity at West Pharmaceutical Services

Dublin, Ireland
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 19, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 45,000 - 55,000 annually based on Dublin market rates for mid-level trade compliance specialists in the pharmaceutical sector, with potential for higher compensation given West Pharmaceutical's strong market position and the specialized nature of pharmaceutical trade compliance requirements

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits supporting physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being for employees and their families
Professional development opportunities with lifelong learning programs providing competitive advantage in career advancement
Inclusive workplace culture fostering diversity and belonging, creating a supportive environment for all team members
Community involvement programs allowing employees to give back and build meaningful connections beyond work
Sustainability initiatives enabling participation in environmentally conscious corporate practices
Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility with 3 days onsite requirement balancing collaboration and work-life integration

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic trade compliance execution across West EU locations, ensuring seamless cross-border operations that directly impact supply chain efficiency and cost optimization
Maintain comprehensive compliance oversight for EU import/export declarations, minimizing regulatory exposure while maximizing operational efficiency through adherence to established procedures
Orchestrate complex cross-border transactions by coordinating with multiple stakeholders including West sites, third-party providers, and customs brokers to resolve critical operational challenges
Provide expert guidance on trade compliance codes including HS classifications, export control codes, and Partner Government Agency requirements, serving as the authoritative source for compliance master data
Execute duty optimization strategies through Free Trade Agreement utilization and preferential duty programs, delivering measurable cost savings to the organization
Lead post-entry audit processes and coordinate corrections with designated customs brokers, ensuring accuracy and compliance while maintaining operational continuity
Manage critical documentation requirements for import/export declarations and duty programs, maintaining meticulous records that support regulatory compliance and operational transparency
Champion operational excellence by participating in systems implementations and new business model initiatives that impact trade compliance across West EU facilities
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction and process optimization, contributing to organizational efficiency and competitive advantage

Requirements

Education

High School Diploma required, Bachelor's Degree Business or relevant field preferred

Experience

Minimum 3 years related experience required

Required Skills

Working knowledge of EU import/export regulations and TARIC AEO certification/program knowledge Strong analytical ability Solid communication skills Ability to speak English Ability to work with and within global cross-functional teams Multi-tasking and working under time constraints Problem solving and prioritization skills Maintaining confidentiality and resolving conflicts Independent judgment and decision-making Data interpretation and document analysis

Certifications

AEO certification preferred
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical supply chain is experiencing unprecedented complexity due to post-Brexit trade regulations, creating high demand for specialists who can navigate EU-UK trade relationships and ensure compliance across multiple regulatory frameworks. Companies are investing heavily in trade compliance infrastructure to avoid costly delays and penalties. Digital transformation in customs and trade compliance is accelerating, with organizations implementing advanced systems for automated declaration processing, real-time compliance monitoring, and predictive analytics for duty optimization. This trend is driving demand for professionals who can bridge traditional compliance expertise with modern technology platforms. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focusing on supply chain resilience and risk mitigation following recent global disruptions, leading to greater emphasis on trade compliance as a strategic function rather than a purely operational one. This elevation of the function is creating more specialized roles with broader strategic responsibilities.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a 5-8 person supply chain compliance team, with this role serving as the EU trade compliance subject matter expert while collaborating with global trade compliance professionals and regional supply chain managers
This is a mid-level specialist position with significant operational responsibility and strategic impact on EU trade operations. The role carries substantial autonomy in decision-making for compliance matters and serves as the primary expert for trade-related issues across multiple EU locations.

Key Projects

Implementation of new customs management systems and digital trade platforms Brexit-related trade procedure updates and compliance framework adjustments Duty optimization initiatives through Free Trade Agreement utilization AEO certification maintenance and enhancement projects Cross-border supply chain efficiency improvement initiatives

Success Factors

Deep expertise in EU trade regulations and post-Brexit compliance requirements, as the complex regulatory landscape demands professionals who can navigate multiple jurisdictions and evolving trade relationships with confidence and accuracy Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to optimize duty structures and resolve complex cross-border transaction issues, as cost optimization and operational efficiency are critical performance metrics in pharmaceutical supply chains Excellent stakeholder management skills to coordinate effectively with internal teams, external service providers, and regulatory authorities across multiple countries and time zones Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to stay current with rapidly evolving trade regulations and technological solutions in the compliance space Project management capabilities to lead compliance-related initiatives and system implementations that impact multiple business units and geographic locations

Market Demand

High demand driven by complex post-Brexit regulatory environment, increasing pharmaceutical trade volumes, and the critical nature of compliance in heavily regulated pharmaceutical supply chains

Important Skills

Critical Skills

EU import/export regulations and TARIC knowledge is absolutely essential as the primary foundation for all trade compliance activities, with deep understanding required to navigate complex pharmaceutical product classifications and regulatory requirements Analytical skills are critical for duty optimization, cost analysis, and compliance risk assessment, as errors in these areas can result in significant financial penalties and operational disruptions Communication and stakeholder management abilities are vital for coordinating with multiple internal teams, external service providers, and regulatory authorities across different countries and languages Problem-solving capabilities are essential for resolving complex cross-border issues and adapting to rapidly changing trade regulations and business requirements

Beneficial Skills

AEO certification knowledge provides competitive advantage and demonstrates commitment to trade compliance excellence, increasingly valued by pharmaceutical companies managing complex supply chains Project management skills enhance ability to lead compliance initiatives and system implementations, opening doors to senior management roles Technology proficiency in customs management systems and digital trade platforms aligns with industry digitization trends and increases efficiency Language skills beyond English can provide significant value in managing relationships with EU regulators and business partners across multiple countries

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work with life-saving pharmaceutical products and directly contribute to global healthcare supply chains, providing meaningful work that impacts patient outcomes worldwide
Exposure to cutting-edge pharmaceutical packaging technologies and regulatory frameworks, offering specialized expertise that is highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry
Strategic location in Dublin providing access to both EU and UK markets post-Brexit, creating unique expertise in managing complex cross-border pharmaceutical trade relationships
Hybrid work model offering flexibility while maintaining collaborative team dynamics, reflecting progressive workplace practices in the pharmaceutical sector
Integration with West's global compliance network providing opportunities for international exposure and career development across multiple geographic markets

Career Growth

Progression to senior roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated expertise and successful project leadership, with accelerated advancement possible given the high demand for experienced pharmaceutical trade compliance professionals

Potential Next Roles

Senior Trade Compliance Manager with responsibility for multiple regions or product lines Trade Compliance Director overseeing global compliance operations Supply Chain Compliance Manager with broader regulatory oversight beyond trade Regulatory Affairs Manager focusing on pharmaceutical compliance Senior Manager roles in customs brokerage or trade consulting firms

Company Overview

West Pharmaceutical Services

West Pharmaceutical Services is a leading global manufacturer of pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems with over a century of industry experience. The company specializes in injectable drug packaging, medical device components, and pharmaceutical containment solutions, serving major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide.

West Pharmaceutical Services holds a strong market position as a Fortune 1000 company and a key supplier to the global pharmaceutical industry, with a reputation for quality, innovation, and regulatory compliance excellence that provides job security and career stability
The Dublin location serves as a strategic hub for West's European operations, managing complex cross-border supply chains and regulatory compliance across multiple EU jurisdictions, making this role critical to the company's European market success
West emphasizes a purpose-driven culture focused on improving patient lives, with strong commitments to employee development, diversity and inclusion, and work-life balance as evidenced by their hybrid work arrangements and comprehensive benefits programs
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