Director of Global Trade Compliance

Director of Global Trade ComplianceGlobal Manufacturing | Export Controls | Sanctions | CustomsMust be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder)Travel: Approximately 30–50%, including domestic and international travelWe are recruiting for a Director of Global Trade Compliance to lead international trade compliance for a global manufacturing organization with operations spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, China, and India.This is a senior leadership role with broad responsibility across export controls, economic sanctions, customs, import/export compliance, trade agreements, regulatory risk, and trade compliance technology. The Director will work closely with Legal and executive leadership while partnering across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and Service. The role requires sound, risk-based decision-making and the ability to balance regulatory requirements with the pace of a global commercial organization.The RoleYou will be responsible for building consistency across a complex international trade environment while making sure global operations remain aligned with changing regulatory requirements.Key responsibilities include:Set direction for global trade compliance, export controls, sanctions, customs, and import/export programsManage compliance activities across multiple countries and business units, including jurisdiction and classification, part tracking, end-use/end-user reviews, customer due diligence, and denied/restricted-party screeningMake timely, risk-based decisions on customer qualifications, export approvals, and other trade compliance matters, including situations where business or shipment requirements require same-day or next-day decisionsProvide leadership for global customs programs involving CTPAT, customs valuation, trade agreements, security requirements, and import complianceEstablish consistent trade policies, procedures, documentation, and recordkeeping practices across international operationsGuide implementation of new export control, sanctions, customs, and international trade regulationsLead and develop a global trade compliance organization of approximately 20 professionals supporting operations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, China, India, and other marketsOversee trade compliance risk assessments, customs audits, internal reviews, government inquiries, and corrective actionsWork directly with customs authorities, government agencies, brokers, logistics providers, trade consultants, and outside legal counselProvide guidance and training to leadership and teams across Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and other business functionsOversee the systems and technology supporting trade compliance, including ERP, customs documentation, trade compliance software, and EDI platformsImprove and automate compliance processes while maintaining appropriate controlsServe as a senior trade compliance resource to the General Counsel, executive leadership, and business leaders, including providing clear recommendations when compliance requirements conflict with commercial objectivesWhat We're Looking For10+ years of trade compliance experience4+ years of senior leadership experienceSignificant depth in global sanctions and export controls, including OFAC, EAR, denied/restricted-party screening, ECCN classification, licensing, and jurisdiction determinationsExperience leading or developing global trade compliance programsDirect experience with customs and import/export complianceExtensive knowledge of U.S., Canadian, and EU sanctions and export control requirementsKnowledge of customs regulations, trade agreements, customs valuation, international trade logistics, and import/export requirementsExperience with jurisdiction and classification, end-use/end-user reviews, and customer/supplier screeningAbility to make risk-based compliance decisions in situations where regulations, business requirements, or available information may not provide a simple answerExperience with CTPAT, customs audits, compliance assessments, regulatory inquiries, and trade risk managementExperience interacting with government agencies, customs authorities, export/sanctions authorities, customs brokers, and external trade advisorsExperience managing and developing teams across multiple countries or regionsAdvanced proficiency with ERP systems, trade compliance platforms, customs documentation software, and EDIAbility to communicate effectively with the CEO, General Counsel, and other executive leaders and provide clear, defensible compliance recommendations, including when those recommendations may conflict with business objectivesAbility to lead and influence across different countries, cultures, business practices, and communication stylesComfortable operating in a fast-moving commercial environment where routine customer, shipment, and trade compliance decisions may require same-day or next-day resolutionAdditional QualificationsAn advanced degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred. A Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation or other international trade compliance certification is also valued.A law degree and related legal experience can be beneficial but are not required.Relevant ExpertiseGlobal Trade Compliance | Export Controls | Economic Sanctions | Customs Compliance | Import/Export | CTPAT | Customs Valuation | Trade Agreements | Jurisdiction & Classification | End-Use / End-User Screening | Customer & Supplier Screening | Customs Audits | Trade Risk | ERP | Trade Compliance Systems | EDIIf your background combines global export controls and sanctions with customs and import/export compliance—and you've led teams across multiple regions—this role offers the opportunity to take ownership of trade compliance across a complex international manufacturing operation. The environment will suit someone who can make sound decisions quickly, communicate effectively with senior leadership, and maintain appropriate compliance controls without unnecessarily slowing the business.