Senior Director, China Customs Trade Operations

Job Description Summary

The Senior Director, China Customs Trade Operations is responsible for leading customs operations across China and for enabling the compliant and efficient import and export movement of medical devices and equipment in support of GE HealthCare's mission to create a world where healthcare has no limits.
This role requires deep expertise in China customs Trade regulations and operations, strong cross-border supply chain acumen, and the ability to operate effectively within a highly matrixed, international organization. The leader will partner closely with supply chain, legal, compliance, regulatory, finance and other relevant teams to ensure operational execution is aligned with applicable trade compliance policies, governance requirements and business objectives.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy and judgment, this role will navigate complex customs and regulatory environments while enabling business growth, operational excellence, and a strong culture of compliance. International Trade Compliance (“ITC”) under Compliance function retains functional ownership of trade compliance policy, governance and independent oversight; this role is accountable for customs operational execution, implementation of applicable controls, accurate records, timely escalation of identified risks and cross-functional execution of assigned trade compliance activities and mitigation measures.
GE HealthCare is a leading global medical technology and digital solutions innovator. Our purpose is to create a world where healthcare has no limits. Unlock your ambition, turn ideas into world-changing realities, and join an organization where every voice makes a difference, and every difference builds a healthier world.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Team Building & Organizational Effectiveness

·       Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Customs Trade Operations team across China

·       Attract, mentor, and retain top talent, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

·       Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and development plans for the team

·       Drive strong cross-functional alignment across regional and global teams

Customs Trade Operations Strategy, Global Alignment & Execution

·       Define and execute China customs operations strategy aligned with applicable trade compliance policies and business objectives

·       Partner with global trade compliance leadership to ensure consistency, standardization, and adoption of best practices

·       Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on regulatory risks, global trade developments, and business implications

·       Provide customs operations input to policy and control design, and promote disciplined implementation of approved requirements and best practices

Customs Trade Operations & Regulatory Execution

·       Ensure full compliance with China Customs (GACC), MOFCOM, and all applicable import/export regulations

·       Oversee tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, duty optimization, and licensing requirements

·       Coordinate and support audits and investigations, and lead assigned corrective actions

·       Maintain expert knowledge of China trade regulations, while understanding broader global trade frameworks and implications

Relationship Building & External Engagement

·       Serve as the primary company representative for inspections, audits, negotiations, and escalations related to customs affairs

·       Develop and sustain strong, credible relationships with China customs authorities and relevant regulatory agencies

·       Build trust and influence with internal stakeholders across China, regionally, and globally

Global Collaboration

·       Collaborate closely with global, regional, and functional teams to align customs operation strategies and operational execution

·       Share insights on regulatory trends, enforcement practices, and risk exposure impacting international trade

·       Provide China-specific customs expertise to global initiatives, ensuring local operational requirements are effectively integrated into global frameworks

·       Support cross-border projects, supply chain transformations, and global product launches

Operational Excellence & Execution

·       Implement robust controls, systems, and procedures to ensure consistent and scalable execution

·       Oversee processes governing the movement and shipment of goods into and out of China

·       Drive improvements in service, quality, compliance, cost and operational efficiency

Problem Solving & Decision Making

·       Lead resolution of complex, high-impact regulatory and operational challenges

·       Apply advanced analytical thinking and sound judgment in ambiguous, high-risk situations

·       Assess information critically, challenge assumptions, and develop practical, compliant solutions

·       Navigate disputes with customs authorities and manage escalations effectively

·       Drive root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions within Customs Operations

Risk Management & Governance Interface

·       Collaborate closely with ITC to ensure full compliance with applicable China and global trade compliance requirements, timely escalate issues identified and implement aligned risk mitigation measures.

·       Establish frameworks to proactively monitor and manage risk exposure

·       Ensure strong governance and internal controls

Role Boundary and Key Interfaces

Qualifications

Expertise

·       Deep knowledge of China import/export regulations and customs practices

·       Strong understanding of global trade compliance frameworks and cross-border operations, with the ability to operationalize applicable requirements while recognizing matters requiring ITC interpretation or oversight

·       Experience working directly with China customs authorities and managing complex customs matters

·       Familiarity with ERP systems, trade compliance technologies, customs systems and global supply chains

Leadership & Professional Skills

·       Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams

·       Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities across cultures

·       Global mindset with strong business and customs operations acumen

·       Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills

·       Ability to influence, negotiate, and drive outcomes in complex, cross-functional environments

·      

Communication

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·       Ability to clearly articulate complex customs and regulatory concepts to diverse global audiences

Language Requirement

·       Fluent in Mandarin and English (written and spoken) - required

Experience

·       Bachelor's Degree or equivalent and 10-15+ years of experience in customs operations, or international logistics in China, with demonstrated exposure to trade compliance frameworks and control environments

·       Strong experience in medical devices, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries

·       Demonstrated success leading teams in a global, matrixed organization

Core Competencies

·       Strategic leadership and global execution

·       Team building and talent development

·       Global collaboration and cross-cultural effectiveness

·       Relationship management and external influence

·       Advanced problem solving and judgment

·       Customs operations expertise, operational risk management and disciplined escalation

Inclusion and Diversity

GE HealthCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer where inclusion matters. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

We expect all employees to live and breathe our behaviors: to act with humility and build trust; lead with transparency; deliver with focus, and drive ownership - always with unyielding integrity.

Our total rewards are designed to unlock your ambition by giving you the boost and flexibility you need to turn ideas into world-changing realities. Our salary and benefits are everything you would expect from an organization with global strength and scale, and you will be surrounded by career opportunities in a culture that fosters care, collaboration and support.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes