GLOBAL TRADE COMPLIANCE MANAGER

Job Title: Global Trade Compliance Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Customer Service and Logistics 6410

Reports to: Senior Manager Global Trade and Logistics

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Global Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing global export and import compliance activities across the organization, ensuring adherence to all applicable U.S. and non-U.S. trade regulations. This role manages complex international trade transactions, provides expert regulatory analysis, and serves as a strategic advisor to business leaders on trade compliance risk, licensing strategy, and regulatory requirements.

The Global Trade Compliance Manager owns the analysis, execution, and continuous improvement of export and import compliance programs, including product classification, license determination and management, and transaction review. This role ensures that trade compliance activities are effectively integrated into business operations, enabling compliant global trade while supporting operational efficiency and growth.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Trade Compliance & Governance

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of global export and import compliance programs, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct and oversee internal audits and assessments of export and import transactions to identify compliance gaps, trends, and risk exposure.
• Develop corrective action plans and partner with cross-functional teams to remediate compliance issues.
• Monitor changes in global trade regulations and assess the impact on company operations, products, and markets.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex or high-risk trade compliance matters.
• Provide trade compliance training and guidance to internal stakeholders, including operations, logistics, engineering, supply chain, and sales.

Export & Import Transaction Analysis and Management

• Analyze and manage export and import transactions to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, licenses, authorizations, and internal controls.
• Review transaction documentation for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory alignment prior to shipment or filing.
• Exercise independent authority to stop, delay, or escalate transactions when compliance risks are identified.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external trade advisors.

Product Classification & Regulatory Analysis

• Perform and oversee product classifications under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), as well as Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications for import purposes.
• Maintain and govern export control classifications (ECCNs, USML categories) and HTS master data within ERP systems.
• Partner with engineering and technical teams to evaluate product functionality and technical characteristics for accurate classification.
• Ensure classification determinations are documented, defensible, and auditable.

Export Licensing & Authorization Management

• Determine export licensing requirements based on product classification, end use, end user, destination, and applicable regulatory restrictions.
• Prepare, submit, and manage export license applications and related documentation (e.g., BIS SNAP-R, DDTC licenses and agreements).
• Track license approvals, provisos, conditions, and expiration dates to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Advise business stakeholders on licensing strategies, lead times, and regulatory constraints impacting commercial decisions.

Functional & Technical Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, BIS, Customs Regulations, Sanctions, and FTR.
• Lead Free Trade Agreement (FTA) participation efforts, including supplier solicitations and preparation of Certificates of Origin.
• Oversee border-crossing transactions for equipment and materials moving between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and other international locations.
• Prepare and review import and export documentation required for customs clearance and regulatory reporting.
• Support and lead special projects related to global trade compliance, regulatory risk mitigation, and process improvement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, finance, or related field

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in international trade compliance, export controls, or global trade management.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and managing complex export and import transactions.
• Hands-on experience with product classification under EAR and ITAR.
• Direct experience preparing, submitting, and managing export licenses and authorizations.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies.
• Experience developing, implementing, and auditing trade compliance programs.

• or 11+ years equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of ITAR, EAR, OFAC sanctions, Customs Regulations, and Foreign Trade Regulations.
• Strong understanding of international shipping documentation, export licenses, and regulatory filing requirements.
• Proven ability to analyze regulatory requirements and translate them into practical business guidance.
• Ability to independently evaluate compliance risks and make defensible decisions in complex situations.
• Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft applications (IFS knowledge a plus).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear compliance documentation and guidance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, or railroad-related operations.
• Professional trade compliance certifications (e.g., CCS, CUSECO, ECoP) a plus.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires successful completion of:

• A valid driver’s license and a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), which will be reviewed upon hire and annually thereafter.

• A pre-employment drug and alcohol test, with continued testing for safety-sensitive roles, as required by federal and company regulations.

• A Verification of post-secondary education.

• Verification of current and prior relevant employment experience, to confirm the candidate meets the minimum required years of experience for the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Office deskwork, requiring sitting, walking, using phone and computer
• May lift to 15 lbs. occasionally
  • • • 5% or more travel including international
      • Can tolerate variable and sometimes challenging conditions during visits or inspections of company equipment in a railroad environment