Global Trade Compliance Manager
Job description
About the role
We are seeking a Global Trade Commerce Manager to ensure adherence to international trade regulations and manage compliance initiatives. This role owns the end-to-end management of the global trade compliance program, establishing the strategic direction for regulatory adherence across all operational units. The hire will collaborate extensively with legal, operational, and commercial teams to develop and implement trade compliance strategies that directly align with overarching company objectives. You will be responsible for interpreting complex regulatory changes and translating them into actionable policies for the business. This position requires a deep understanding of regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions to navigate the global landscape effectively. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in trade compliance and demonstrate a proven ability to mitigate risks associated with international operations. You will oversee the integrity of the compliance framework and ensure that all activities support the company's ethical and legal standards. This is a strategic role that influences business decisions and safeguards the organization from regulatory exposure.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Oversee and manage the company's global trade compliance program, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures to enhance compliance practices and mitigate risks associated with international trade.
- Conduct comprehensive audits and assessments to identify gaps and areas for improvement in existing compliance processes.
- Deliver targeted training and support to internal teams on trade compliance matters to ensure organizational awareness and adherence.
- Collaborate with legal and operational teams to address emerging compliance issues and develop timely, effective solutions.
- Monitor and analyze regulatory changes across all relevant jurisdictions to ensure the company adapts swiftly and accurately.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders regarding trade compliance inquiries.
- Review and validate trade documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with export and import regulations.
- Coordinate with supply chain and logistics partners to verify adherence to compliance standards in the movement of goods.
- Develop and maintain risk assessment frameworks to evaluate the compliance posture of new and existing markets.
- Establish key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of the compliance program and drive continuous improvement.
- Liaise with external counsel and regulatory consultants to stay informed of best practices and legal interpretations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, International Relations, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in trade compliance or a related area.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. export control laws, customs regulations, and international trade agreements.
- Proven ability to analyze complex regulations and provide clear, actionable guidance to the business.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Detail-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in matters requiring confidentiality and discretion.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for this position.
Nice to have
- Certification in trade compliance (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist, Export Compliance Professional).
- Experience in the defense or aerospace industry.
Skills & tools
- Proficiency in compliance management software and tools.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and trade compliance databases.
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis.
About the role
The Global Trade Commerce Manager will operate at the strategic center of the company's trade compliance function. You will own the design, execution, and continuous optimization of the global trade compliance program. This position demands mastery of complex regulatory environments and the leadership necessary to drive consistent application of controls across all operational units. You will serve as the internal architect of compliance strategy, translating evolving legal requirements into robust, practical policies. Success in this role will depend on your capacity to balance regulatory rigor with business enablement, ensuring that compliance acts as an enabler of responsible growth rather than a barrier. You will apply sourced expertise to interpret nuanced regulatory changes and embed them into everyday processes.
What you'll do
- Provide strategic oversight and governance of the global trade compliance program, ensuring full adherence to international trade laws and regulations.
- Create, implement, and sustain comprehensive policies and procedures that strengthen compliance practices and reduce risk across international trade operations.
- Lead end-to-end compliance audits and risk assessments to uncover process gaps and recommend corrective actions.
- Develop and deliver structured training programs to build trade compliance knowledge across the organization and ensure consistent policy adoption.
- Partner with legal and operational stakeholders to resolve emerging compliance challenges and implement effective, timely solutions.
- Track and interpret regulatory updates across all applicable jurisdictions, driving swift and precise organizational adaptation.
- Act as the designated liaison between regulatory authorities, external advisors, and internal stakeholders for all trade compliance matters.
- Perform detailed reviews of trade documentation to confirm accuracy and full compliance with export and import controls.
- Collaborate with supply chain and logistics providers to verify that goods movement practices meet established compliance standards.
- Build and maintain risk assessment models to evaluate the compliance posture of current and potential markets.
- Define and monitor key performance indicators that measure compliance program performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Engage external counsel and regulatory consultants to validate approaches and incorporate industry best practices.
Requirements
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in Business, International Relations, or a related discipline.
- Bring a minimum of 5 years of proven experience in trade compliance or a closely related field.
- Demonstrate expert-level knowledge of U.S. export control regulations, customs procedures, and international trade agreements.
- Show a track record of analyzing intricate regulatory scenarios and delivering clear, actionable guidance to business units.
- Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Apply a detail-oriented approach and strong organizational abilities to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Exercise independent judgment and discretion when handling sensitive compliance matters.
- Obtain authorization to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for this role.
Nice to have
- Hold a recognized trade compliance certification, such as Certified Customs Specialist or Export Compliance Professional.
- Bring prior experience working within the defense or aerospace sectors.
Skills & tools
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of compliance management platforms and supporting technologies.
- Show familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and trade compliance databases.
- Apply strong analytical capabilities and competence in data interpretation.
Practical notes
This position may require occasional travel. We offer competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.