Global Trade Program and Systems Governance Manager

About ABB

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we'll give you what you need to make it happen. It won't always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you'll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we've announced the plan for Soft Bank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. Soft Bank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you'll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

Role Overview

Reports to: Global Head of Trade & Logistics, RA

Working Model: Hybrid

Preferred Locations: China, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and US (global position)

The mission of the Global Trade Program and Systems Governance Manager is to ensure the global governance, development, and continuous enhancement of ABB's Global Trade Program and its core enabling technology, the SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) system. This role is responsible for integrating program strategy with systems infrastructure to ensure all global trade operations are executed with the highest levels of efficiency, control, and compliance with external regulations and ABB internal policies. The position drives strategic trade initiatives, such as the application of Free Trade Agreements, and supports the business by providing a robust framework of governance, processes, and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary leader for the maintenance, enhancement, and project management of both the ABB Global Trade Program and the SAP GTS system
• Works closely with IS organizations, master data teams, and other stakeholders to identify gaps, develop mitigation proposals, and ensure the program and its systems infrastructure are aligned with regulatory and business requirements
• Benchmarks the program against industry standards and drives comprehensive project development in accordance with ABB standards
• Translates governance requirements into both program elements and system configurations
• Manages the Trade Governance Council and the SAP GTS Application Review Board, serving as the PMO for global workstreams
• Develops and maintains the internal control framework, ensuring critical controls and segregation of duties are built into systems and processes
• Drafts and facilitates the creation of blueprints, guidelines, instructions, and other documentation for both the program and its systems
• Acts as the functional expert for SAP GTS (Export Control, Sanctions, Customs Compliance, Operations)
• Ensures the flawless interaction between connected systems (SAP ECC6, GTS, DMS, Salesforce, etc.) for screening, classification, and customs activities
• Works to establish SAP GTS as the central data repository for product classification and works to automate key controls and enhance data visibility
• Works with the Global Trade Excellence Manager and business stakeholders to identify, develop, and implement relevant trade KPIs, dashboards, and reporting structures
• Ensures the trade program and systems enable effective tracking of performance and analytics for management visibility
• Develops, implements, and maintains a global communication structure and a comprehensive training framework for the Global Trade Program and the SAP GTS system
• Delivers training to key target groups (super-users, regular users, senior management) to ensure critical knowledge and understanding across the organization
• Formulates annual action plans and associated budget proposals
• Ensures project targets are achieved, and results are delivered on time and within budget for both program and systems initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with over 10 years of extensive knowledge and understanding of the role and (technical) functioning of Global Trade applications, in particular SAP GTS (especially the compliance and customs modules), as well as sufficient understanding of the functioning of ERP systems in general (preferably SAP / SAP ECC6)
• Experience with structured project management and system governance
• Good knowledge of export control and customs rules and regulations is essential (there is some room for further development of expertise in the start-up phase)
• Sufficient seniority to effectively communicate across all levels of the local business
• Business mind-set, responsiveness, ownership, self-driven, willingness to explore and learn
• Several years of experience with business processes, in particular the end-to-end supply chain process, risk management and internal controls and ability to translate business processes and requirements into functional IT requirements
• Capability to train and advise others on the use and administrative requirements of the system
• Team player with good communication skills, well-capable of communicating in English
• Additional language skills are appreciated

Why ABB

We Care

At ABB, we care about our people and their stories. We create safe, fair, equitable and inclusive working environments in which our people can succeed and develop, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or cultural, religious or social background. Diverse teams make us stronger. ABB is also committed to a high standard of integrity in everything we do.

We Grow

We help our people succeed and develop, and we empower them to create their own careers at ABB. Our benefits, reward and development programs encompass a wide array of offerings.

Working at ABB gives you the opportunity to contribute to a healthier and more prosperous world. Add to your story by joining a passionate team, focused on pushing the boundaries of technology to drive performance, shape new business models and find new ways of working that benefit our customers, partners and society. We want you to be proud of being part of ABB.

How to Apply

Do you want to shape the future, together with us? Get more insights into our recruitment process and find some helpful tips and tricks how to join the team. Make our story your story. Visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.