The Global Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for the leadership, governance, and execution of the company’s global trade compliance program across a multi-site, international manufacturing environment.
This role ensures full compliance with U.S. and international import/export regulations (including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, BIS, and CBP) while enabling business growth through standardized processes, scalable systems, and strong cross-functional alignment.
The position serves as the primary authority on trade compliance matters, driving consistency across regions, strengthening internal controls, and embedding compliance into core business operations including product development, sourcing, and distribution.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Governance
- Lead and manage the global trade compliance program across all regions and business units.
- Establish and enforce standardized policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development for trade compliance team members.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex compliance and regulatory matters.
- Drive continuous improvement and automation of compliance processes.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, BIS, CBP, and anti-boycott laws.
- Lead global compliance audits, risk assessments, and corrective action plans.
- Develop and enforce Technology Control Plans (TCPs) and access controls for regulated technologies.
- Oversee denied party screening, sanctions compliance, and embargo controls.
- Partner with Legal and external advisors on regulatory interpretation and risk mitigation.
Classification, Licensing & Technical Oversight
- Act as the final authority for ECCN, HTS, Schedule B, COO, and jurisdictional determinations.
- Oversee classification and licensing strategies across all products and technologies.
- Ensure accurate country of origin, valuation, and free trade agreement (FTA) determinations.
- Support Engineering and Product teams in integrating compliance into product design and NPI processes.
Operational Execution & Oversight
- Establish global standards for export documentation, recordkeeping, and audit readiness.
- Oversee customs broker performance and import/export transaction compliance.
- Ensure consistent execution of compliance processes across all sites and systems.
- Utilize tools such as ACE/CBP reporting to provide visibility and insights to operations.
Systems, Data & Process Integration
- Define and govern trade compliance data standards within ERP and business systems.
- Lead harmonization of compliance data across multiple platforms (e.g., SAP, Syteline, etc.).
- Partner with IT to implement and optimize systems for classification, screening, and licensing.
- Integrate compliance requirements into NPI and supplier onboarding workflows.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, Legal and IT to ensure compliance integration.
- Provide guidance on trade-related impacts of sourcing decisions, product changes, and market expansion.
- Support initiatives related to duty optimization, free trade agreements, and supply chain strategy.
Training & Organizational Development
- Develop and deliver trade compliance training programs across the organization.
- Promote a culture of compliance and accountability.
- Build organizational capability and succession within the trade compliance function.
Experience
- 10–15 years of experience in global trade compliance within a manufacturing or industrial environment
- 5–10 years of leadership experience managing teams and/or programs
- Experience supporting multi-site and multi-country operations
Technical Expertise
- Strong knowledge of U.S. and international trade regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC, BIS, CBP)
- Experience with classification (HTS, Schedule B, ECCN) and country of origin determination
- Familiarity with sanctions, embargo regulations, and denied party screening
- Experience with free trade agreements (FTAs) and rules of origin
- Working knowledge of systems such as ACE, ERP platforms, and compliance tools
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities
- Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to manage risk and make sound compliance decisions in complex environments
Work Environment / Travel
- Ability to work across global time zones as needed
- Travel requirement: 25-50% depending on assignment needs
Confidentiality Notice
This position involves access to sensitive and export-controlled information and requires adherence to all applicable compliance policies and regulations.
We believe in transparent and equitable pay. All U.S. job postings include a good-faith salary range based on role, location, experience, and internal equity. We’re happy to discuss compensation openly throughout the hiring process.