Global Trade Program and Systems Governance Manager Robotics

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 SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank 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.

This Position Reports To Global Head of Trade & Logistics, RA

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.

The working model is hybrid. The position is set to be global, however, with preferred location for are China, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland and US.

Key Responsibilities

The Global Trade Program and Systems Governance Manager, in a manner consistent with applicable Group policies, the ABB Global Trade Program, local policies, and instructions provided by management:

• 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 are the program against industry standards and drive 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.
• Forms 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.

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JR