Trade Compliance Director

This individual leads the global trade compliance function for a large multinational industrial manufacturing business, with responsibility for developing and executing import and export compliance strategies across multiple domestic and international locations. The role serves as the primary trade compliance advisor to business leadership, legal, and operational stakeholders, ensuring compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations while supporting broader business objectives.

Key responsibilities include overseeing global export controls, import compliance, licensing, product classifications (ECCN/HTS), sanctions and denied party screening, customs compliance, investigations, voluntary disclosures, and audit activities. The position is responsible for maintaining and continuously improving the organization's trade compliance program, including policies, procedures, training initiatives, and internal controls designed to mitigate regulatory risk and ensure operational efficiency.

The role manages a team of trade compliance professionals and provides strategic direction, mentorship, and leadership across the function. This leader collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including legal, supply chain, operations, engineering, sales, and finance, while also partnering with external stakeholders such as customs brokers, consultants, and government agencies. Responsibilities include driving consistency in trade compliance practices across global sites, overseeing broker performance, conducting compliance assessments, and implementing corrective actions where needed.

In addition to compliance oversight, the position plays a strategic role in trade optimization efforts, evaluating opportunities to reduce cost and improve efficiency through duty mitigation programs, free trade agreements, foreign trade zones, tariff classification strategies, and other trade-related initiatives. The individual is also expected to represent the company during interactions with regulatory authorities and provide guidance to senior leadership on evolving global trade requirements, risks, and business impacts.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of progressive trade compliance experience, preferably within a complex industrial manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other dual-use environment. Strong expertise in EAR, OFAC, customs and import regulations, export licensing, compliance program management, risk assessment, and regulatory investigations is required. Prior people management experience, excellent communication and influencing skills, and the ability to operate effectively across a global organization are essential. Experience with process improvement methodologies, project management, and building scalable compliance programs is highly valued. The position requires approximately 25-50% travel.