Director, Logistics and Trade Compliance

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
$172,000-$215,000
vision insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, New Jersey, Princeton
Aug 31, 2025
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, visitAcadia.comand follow us onLinkedInandX. 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 preferred Certified in customs compliance (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist) and/or logistics (e.g., CSCP, CLTD) preferred Self-motivated with a positive, can-do attitude and bias toward action while maintaining attention to detail and compliance rigor Proven ability to encourage and mentor small teams, with a track record of developing staff capabilities and fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented work environment Solid analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis for performance metrics Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship management abilities Robust problem-solving skills with the ability to make strategic decisions Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 5-10%) Physical Requirements: This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs. #LI-HYBRID #LI-BG1 In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location. Salary Range $172,000 — $215,000 USD What we offer US-based Employees: Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages Medical, dental, and vision insurance Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5% Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in 15+ vacation days 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st 10 days of paid sick time Paid parental leave benefit Tuition assistance EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn't exactly what we describe here. It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law. As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia's career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete ourReasonable Accommodation Request Formor contact us attalentacquisition@acadia-pharm.comor858-261-2923. Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment. California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy. Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy. Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbiawithin our Privacy Policy. Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Acadia"). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.