Director of Trade Compliance

A global organization specializing in aerospace and aviation support services, providing high-quality solutions across maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), distribution, and supply chain operations. The company supports a diverse international customer base, delivering critical components and services while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory and compliance standards. Known for its operational excellence and customer-focused approach, the organization operates in highly regulated environments requiring robust quality, safety, and export compliance frameworks.The Director of Trade Compliance is responsible for leading, governing, and continuously enhancing the organization’s global export compliance program to safeguard against regulatory, financial, and reputational risks. This role provides strategic oversight of export controls, licensing, and risk-based decision-making, serving as the senior subject matter expert on EAR, ITAR, and sanctions regulations.Acting as a hands-on leader, the Senior Manager makes timely, independent decisions to protect the business—regardless of commercial pressures—while collaborating closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to support compliant and sustainable growth.Key Accountabilities:Lead and oversee the global export compliance program, ensuring adherence to EAR, ITAR, OFAC, and all applicable U.S. and international regulationsDevelop, implement, and enforce export compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practicesManage export licensing strategies, including applications, provisos, and ongoing obligations, with a focus on complex or high-risk transactions and government interactionsEvaluate high-risk transactions, including end-use and end-user concerns, diversion risks, and red flags; lead mitigation efforts and corrective actionsDesign and deliver targeted training initiatives to promote compliance awareness, accountability, and ownership across the organizationLead internal audits, investigations, voluntary disclosures, and regulatory responses, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and sustainable corrective measures.Collaborate with Sales, Purchasing, Quality, IT, Operations, and Logistics to integrate compliance into daily operations and ERP systems.Monitor regulatory developments, enforcement trends, and geopolitical risks, and proactively advise leadership on potential impacts to business strategy and operations.Make independent, risk-based compliance decisions—including order holds, denials, disclosures, and licensing actions—to protect the organization from exposure.Perform additional duties as required.Key Skills and Competencies:Strong, people-focused leadership with the ability to influence, challenge, and advise senior stakeholdersExcellent communication and critical thinking skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex regulatory and risk concepts to varied audiences.Hands-on, results-driven approach, comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.Demonstrated ability to promote collaboration, teamwork, and accountability across global, cross-functional teams.Advanced conflict resolution and negotiation skills, with the ability to balance competing prioritiesHigh ethical standards, integrity, and strong attention to detail.Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and time-management abilities in fast-paced environments.Experience utilizing ERP systems and compliance tools to support scalable and consistent processes.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.5–10 years of experience in export compliance management.ECoP (Export Compliance Professional) certification required.Proven experience managing export licenses, authorizations, provisos, and government engagements.Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.In-depth knowledge of ITAR, EAR, OFAC sanctions, and related export control regulations.Experience supporting global operations and international customer bases.Familiarity with aerospace, MRO, OEM, or distribution environments preferred.Proficiency in export compliance systems and toolsAbility to review and interpret technical data for export classification of aerospace products.U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be required due to regulatory obligations.Apply or enquire:Jack McKayPeak Performance Recruitment Ltd.Email: Jack@aircraftleasing.ieTel: +353 42 941 9658