Trade Compliance Manager
This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing startup in the aerospace/defense industry as their Trade Compliance Manager . This position will be at the forefront of developing and implementing trade compliance strategies, ensuring strict adherence to ITAR, EAR, and other export control regulations. You will work closely with internal teams and regulatory agencies to manage ITAR Compliance Programs (ICP) and Export Management Compliance Programs (EMCP), driving excellence in compliance across the organization.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and maintain trade policies, standards, and procedures to ensure compliance with Department of State, Department of Commerce, and Department of Treasury regulations.
- Partner with the ISSO to ensure proper safeguarding and management of controlled information.
- Create, administer, and maintain the company’s Export Management Control Policy (EMCP) in alignment with Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) requirements.
- Define, conduct, and oversee regular trade compliance audits and investigations to identify and mitigate potential risks and exposures.
- Evaluate classification and licensing requirements based on government regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR); apply for necessary licenses through appropriate government systems (DECCS, SNAP-R, etc.).
- Execute and document restricted party screening procedures with comprehensive record-keeping.
- Identify and communicate export compliance best practices, ensuring employees are well-informed.
- Design and deliver tailored export control and global trade compliance training programs for both internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide training and awareness programs to educate employees on IS policies, procedures, best practices, and proper handling of classified information.
- Monitor shifts in regulatory landscapes, security challenges, and industry standards to strengthen the organization's trade compliance framework.
- Work closely with ISSO, IT, and engineering teams, ensuring secure system architectures and robust data protection measures for all systems processing controlled information.
Requirements and Desired Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Trade, Finance or similar related field
- 5+ years of experience managing U.S. import/export compliance directly
- Strong knowledge of U.S. regulations governing export-controlled items
- In-depth expertise in the U.S. Munitions List (USML), Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), deemed exports, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the Commerce Control List (CCL)
- Previous experience with DDTC licensing applications (e.g., DSP-5, TAA, MLA)
- Proven track record developing and implementing export control programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
- Strong understanding of risk management principles, including experience conducting risk assessments and managing vulnerabilities, preferably in classified environments.
- Experience with incident response planning and execution
- Must be a U.S. Person due to the nature of work & required access to U.S. export-controlled information
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
- Must be willing to travel (up to 10%)
- Certified Export Compliance Professional (CECP) or Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) preferred
- Experience managing compliance with U.S. and international sanctions programs (e.g., OFAC, UN) a plus
- Project management skills, able to lead complex compliance initiatives from start to finish
- Excellent communication skills, able to effectively explain trade compliance regulations to all stakeholders
- Proven track record of adjusting compliance strategies effectively while adapting to rapidly changing regulatory environments and evolving operational demands a plus
- Strong knowledge of trade compliance regulations with experience navigating regulatory changes to ensure compliance with domestic and international laws preferred
Compensation (DOE): $120k - $150k annual base salary