Director, Logistics and Trade Compliance

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is advancing breakthroughs in neuroscience to elevate life. Since our founding, we have been working at the forefront of healthcare to bring vital solutions to people who need them most. We developed and commercialized the first and only FDA-approved drug to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, and the first and only approved drug in the United States and Canada for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Our clinical-stage development efforts are focused on Prader-Willi syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, and multiple other programs targeting neuro-psychiatric and neuro-rare diseases. For more information, visit Acadia.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

 

Please note that this position can be based in Princeton, NJ, San Diego, CA, or South San Francisco, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office on average three days per week.

Position Summary

The Director of Logistics and Trade Compliance will play a critical role in our mid-size biopharmaceutical company, overseeing all aspects of global logistics operations and ensuring international trade compliance across the organization's global supply chain. This leadership position is also in charge of developing and implementing effective logistics strategies that support our product supply chain while maintaining strict adherence to global trade regulations. The successful candidate will lead logistics team members, manage relationships with multiple logistics vendors, and collaborate cross-functionally to streamline processes, reduce costs, and ensure adherence to appropriate compliance requirements.

Job Requirements

• Lead the organization's global trade compliance strategy in alignment with corporate objectives and regional regulatory frameworks
• Ensure execution of day-to-day logistics operations, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution of pharmaceutical products
• Ensure full compliance with international trade regulations, import/export controls, customs requirements, and VAT regulations in various regions
• Direct the classification of pharmaceutical and clinical products under the Harmonized System (HS) and Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) schemes.
• Oversee management of the country of origin, customs valuations, and documentation accuracy.
• Manage relationships with multiple third-party logistics providers and other vendors
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for logistics and trade compliance
• Collaborate with Finance, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Supply Chain departments to ensure seamless operations
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for logistics efficiency and compliance
• Stay current with changes in global trade regulations and ensure timely adaptation of processes
• Conduct regular risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for logistics and compliance risks
• Manage logistics and storage insurance requirements, ensuring adequate coverage while optimizing costs
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for product storage, handling, and transportation
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on logistics performance and compliance status
• Manage logistics budget and forecast future resource needs
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for logistics processes and systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 8+ years of progressive experience in logistics, supply chain, and trade compliance, with at least 4 years in a management role
• Demonstrated experience in pharmaceutical or life sciences industry required
• Demonstrated ability to proactively research complex trade regulations, seek expert guidance when needed, and translate regulatory requirements into functional operational procedures.
• Proven expertise in global trade compliance regulations, including import/export controls, customs procedures, and licensing requirements.  Experience with EU trade compliance preferred; solid candidates with demonstrable ability to quickly master new regulatory frameworks
• Experience managing international logistics operations and working with multiple logistics service providers
• Strong comprehension of GDP (Good Distribution Practice), pharmaceutical storage requirements, and other regulations pertaining to pharmaceutical logistics
• Knowledge of European VAT systems and compliance requirements for pharmaceutical products