Trade Compliance Manager - Export Controls (ITAR/EAR)

A leading aerospace, defense, and advanced technology manufacturer is seeking a Trade Compliance Manager to support export and import compliance activities across multiple U.S. business units. This role serves as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and plays a critical part in ensuring compliance with U.S. trade regulations while enabling global business operations. The position offers a blend of strategic guidance and hands-on execution, providing broad exposure to export controls, licensing, business operations, and compliance program development within a highly regulated environment.

Working closely with business leaders, engineering, operations, supply chain, contracts, and corporate compliance teams, the Trade Compliance Manager will help drive consistent compliance practices while supporting commercial and operational objectives. This is a highly collaborative individual contributor role with significant visibility across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support export licensing activities under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including application preparation, post-approval requirements, and stakeholder coordination.
• Conduct transaction-level reviews of international shipments, orders, and technology transfers, including denied party screening and due diligence activities to ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and related regulations.
• Oversee export classification processes, documentation, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Provide guidance on the compliant transfer of products, technical data, software, and technology across global markets.
• Support business activities involving international travel, foreign visitors, trade shows, technical exchanges, and contract reviews from a trade compliance perspective.
• Develop, implement, and improve trade compliance policies, procedures, controls, and best practices.
• Conduct training sessions and awareness programs on key compliance topics, including export classifications, denied party screening, licensing requirements, and electronic export filings.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify compliance risks and implement practical business-focused solutions.
• Assist with internal audits, external audits, investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor regulatory developments and help ensure organizational processes remain aligned with evolving export control requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Approximately 3-6 years of experience in trade compliance, export controls, global trade, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, export licensing requirements, and restricted party screening processes.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, technology, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries preferred.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate legal requirements into practical business guidance.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with export management tools, ERP systems, or SAP is a plus.
• Ability to travel periodically to support various U.S. business locations.

This opportunity is ideal for a trade compliance professional seeking a broad, business-facing role with responsibility across licensing, export operations, regulatory compliance, training, audits, and program development within a sophisticated global organization.