We are seeking a Director, Strategic Trade Compliance to join our team. In this role you will be the senior authority responsible for overseeing the company’s global import, export, and sanctions compliance programs. This role defines and executes enterprise trade compliance strategy, ensures adherence to U.S. and international trade regulations, and partners with executive leadership to mitigate regulatory risk while enabling efficient global commerce.
The Director leads a global or multi-regional team of trade professionals, governs compliance frameworks and internal controls, drives digital and systems transformation, and serves as the primary liaison with government agencies and regulators.
This position reports the Vice President of Strategic Soucing, Procurement and Supplier Quality and is based in Irvine, CA.
As the Director of Strategic Trade Compliance, you will have the following key responsibilities:
Strategy, Leadership & Governance
- Define and execute the global trade compliance strategy across import, export, and sanctions.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, delivering insights on trade risk, regulatory changes, and cost optimization.
- Lead, develop, and scale a global or regional team of trade compliance professionals.
- Establish and govern enterprise trade compliance policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks.
- Monitor global legislative and regulatory developments (Customs, ITAR, EAR, OFAC, trade remedies) and guide proactive business response.
Import Compliance (Core Expertise)
- Oversee global import compliance programs ensuring accurate customs declarations, documentation, and controls.
- Act as subject matter authority on tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, and partner government agency requirements.
- Optimize use of Free and Preferential Trade Agreements (FTAs) and duty-savings programs.
- Govern Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) compliance and operations, including CTPAT, Importer Self-Assessment (ISA), Duty Drawback, and Reconciliation.
- Manage exposure to trade remedies and regulations, including IEEPA, Sections 232 & 301, antidumping, and countervailing duties.
- Partner with customs brokers and government agencies to resolve audits, inquiries, and compliance issues.
Export Compliance (Advanced Working Knowledge)
- Oversee export compliance programs aligned with ITAR, EAR, and Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR).
- Lead jurisdiction and classification determinations (USML/CCL).
- Manage export licensing and authorizations, including DSP-5 licenses, TAAs, and Commerce licenses.
- Oversee export authorizations through DECCS and SNAP-R.
- Govern deemed export controls, technology control plans, and end-use/end-user/destination restrictions.
- Deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders on export control requirements.
Sanctions & Restricted Party Compliance
- Govern OFAC sanctions compliance, including restricted party screening and beneficial ownership due diligence.
- Ensure effective screening tools, escalation protocols, and recordkeeping processes are maintained.
Risk Management, Audits & Regulatory Engagement
- Lead internal audits, compliance assessments, investigations, and remediation activities.
- Manage voluntary disclosures and regulatory communications with CBP, BIS, DDTC, and OFAC.
- Represent the company in regulatory matters, audits, and industry associations.
Systems, Data & Transformation
- Drive automation and digital enablement of trade compliance processes.
- Lead enterprise trade system initiatives (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, SAP GTS, Descartes), including design, implementation, and governance.
- Leverage ACE trade data, dashboards, KPIs, and analytics to monitor performance and risk.
- Manage large-scale programs and budgets, ensuring timely delivery, adoption, and sustained outcomes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Supply Chain, Sourcing, Legal, Engineering, Finance, Tax, IT, Logistics, and Procurement teams.
- Advise business leaders on sourcing strategies, product design, distribution models, and market entry decisions.
- Embed trade compliance requirements into enterprise processes and systems.
You have:
- Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in international trade compliance within a multinational organization, global consulting firm, or law firm.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Law, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or related field.
- Licensed Customs Broker (LCB).
- Regulatory expertise in customs and import compliance (core), export controls under ITAR and EAR and OFAC sanctions compliance
- Leadership: Demonstrated success leading global or matrixed teams and enterprise compliance programs.
- Systems Knowledge: Experience with enterprise trade systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Descartes), ACE Portal, and government platforms (DECCS, SNAP-R).
- Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and executive stakeholder management capabilities.
You might have:
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS, JD, or LL.M. in International Trade).
- Experience managing compliance or transformation initiatives exceeding $1M in budget.
- Industry experience in manufacturing, industrial products, applied sciences, consumer goods, or regulated industries.
- Prior leadership of major ERP or digital trade transformations.
