Location: San Jose, Irvine, or Camarillo, California

Job Summary

The Head of Global Trade Compliance is a senior leadership position responsible for directing and managing all international trade compliance activities for Semtech's global semiconductor business. This position develops and implements comprehensive trade compliance strategies, export control programs, and regulatory frameworks that ensure adherence to complex international trade regulations while enabling strategic business operations across global markets. The role requires expert knowledge of export controls, sanctions regulations, customs compliance, and semiconductor industry trade dynamics, combined with strong leadership skills and strategic business acumen to establish world-class compliance programs that protect corporate integrity and enable competitive advantage. The Head of Global Trade Compliance partners with senior leadership, business units, legal counsel, and government agencies to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes, manage trade-related risks, and support Semtech's global growth objectives while maintaining the highest standards of compliance excellence and corporate responsibility.

Responsibilities

Global Trade Compliance Strategy and Program Leadership:

Develop and implement comprehensive global trade compliance strategies, policies, and operational frameworks aligned with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements
Establish export control programs, sanctions compliance systems, and customs management processes across all business units and geographic regions
Design innovative compliance solutions to address complex semiconductor trade regulations, emerging technology controls, and evolving geopolitical dynamics
Lead the development of trade compliance key performance indicators, risk metrics, and program effectiveness measures
Ensure alignment between trade compliance strategies and broader business initiatives, risk management frameworks, and corporate governance systems

Export Controls And Technology Transfer Management

Direct export control classification programs for semiconductor products, technology, and software across all product lines
Establish licensing strategies, authorization processes, and technology transfer controls for controlled items and destinations
Lead implementation of deemed export controls, foreign national access programs, and technology security measures
Oversee license application preparation, government liaison activities, and regulatory agency engagement
Develop and maintain export classification databases, licensing tracking systems, and authorization management processes
Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC sanctions, and other applicable export control regulations

Sanctions Compliance And Restricted Party Screening

Establish comprehensive sanctions compliance programs addressing OFAC, BIS, and international sanctions regimes
Direct restricted party screening operations, denied party list management, and customer due diligence processes
Lead development of sanctions risk assessment frameworks, screening protocols, and transaction review procedures
Oversee sanctioned countries/regions compliance, specially designated nationals (SDN) management, and sectoral sanctions analysis
Coordinate with sales, supply chain, and finance teams on transaction screening and sanctions compliance requirements

Customs Compliance And Global Trade Operations

Direct customs compliance programs including classification, valuation, country of origin determination, and duty management
Establish import/export documentation requirements, customs broker management, and trade facilitation processes
Lead free trade agreement utilization strategies, preferential trade program implementation, and duty optimization initiatives
Oversee customs audit readiness, recordkeeping requirements, and regulatory reporting obligations
Develop customs compliance training programs and operational guidance for supply chain and logistics teams

Trade Compliance Training, Awareness, And Culture

Lead development and delivery of comprehensive trade compliance training programs for employees, management, and business partners
Establish compliance awareness initiatives, communication strategies, and knowledge management systems
Create role-specific training modules addressing export controls, sanctions, customs, and antiboycott compliance
Implement compliance certification programs, competency assessments, and ongoing education requirements
Foster a culture of compliance excellence, ethical behavior, and regulatory awareness across the global organization

Risk Management, Auditing, And Continuous Improvement

Establish trade compliance risk assessment frameworks, internal audit programs, and monitoring systems
Direct compliance reviews, vulnerability assessments, and corrective action implementations
Lead investigations of potential compliance violations, voluntary self-disclosures, and remediation activities
Develop metrics and reporting systems to track compliance performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement
Coordinate with internal audit, legal, and risk management teams on integrated compliance oversight

Government Relations And Regulatory Engagement

Serve as primary liaison with U.S. and international regulatory agencies including BIS, OFAC, CBP, and DDTC
Lead engagement with government officials on regulatory interpretations, licensing matters, and policy developments
Participate in industry associations, trade compliance forums, and regulatory working groups
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting semiconductor trade and technology controls
Represent trade compliance function in interactions with senior leadership, board committees, and external stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field required;
10-15+ years of progressive experience in international trade compliance with at least 5+ years in leadership roles
Deep expertise in export controls (EAR, ITAR), sanctions regulations (OFAC), customs compliance, and semiconductor industry trade requirements
Experience managing global trade compliance programs in technology or manufacturing industries
Proven track record of building and leading high-performing compliance teams
Strong knowledge of U.S. and international trade regulations, licensing processes, and government agency procedures
Expert knowledge of U.S. export control regulations (EAR, ITAR), sanctions programs (OFAC), customs regulations, and antiboycott laws
Deep understanding of semiconductor technology, dual-use controls, emerging technology restrictions, and critical technology regulations
Strong leadership skills with ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels and geographic regions
Strategic thinking with business acumen to align compliance requirements with commercial objectives
Excellent program management capabilities with experience leading enterprise-wide initiatives
Superior communication and presentation skills for engaging with senior executives, government officials, and cross-functional teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and risk assessment capabilities
Experience with trade compliance software systems, screening tools, and technology solutions
Professional certifications highly valued (e.g., Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer, Licensed Customs Broker, etc.)
Ability to navigate ambiguous regulatory environments and provide practical, business-enabling compliance guidance
Experience managing regulatory agency interactions, license applications, and government audits
Knowledge of international trade compliance frameworks in key markets (EU, Asia-Pacific, Americas)

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.

A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $250,000 - $275,000. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee’s total compensation package.

Semtech

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Head of Global Trade Compliance