Global Trade Compliance Manager

Our client, a leading retail organization, is hiring a Global Trade Compliance Manager to oversee U.S. import compliance, support export compliance activities, and lead a team responsible for maintaining trade regulations and processes. This role will focus primarily on import compliance, customs classification and valuation, trade programs, and process improvement. The ideal candidate has extensive import compliance experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to navigate complex trade requirements while partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders.

What’s the job?

• Lead import compliance operations and provide oversight of export compliance activities
• Manage and develop a team of four trade compliance professionals
• Oversee customs classification, valuation, documentation, and import compliance processes
• Partner with customs brokers, suppliers, import vendors, government agencies, and internal stakeholders to resolve trade compliance issues
• Maintain and improve trade compliance programs, including CTPAT, Importer Self-Assessment (ISA), First Sale, and duty drawback
• Monitor changing trade regulations and assess their impact on business operations
• Restore, standardize, and strengthen compliance processes to support consistent execution and risk management
• Identify opportunities to improve compliance systems, reporting, and workflows through software and automation
• Analyze trade compliance issues, costs, and risks and communicate recommendations to business partners
• Establish clear priorities and determine when issues require urgent escalation
• Support export documentation and country-specific compliance requirements as needed
• Lead process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and visibility across trade compliance operations
• Collaborate cross-functionally to keep international trade activities compliant and running smoothly

What’s needed?

• 7+ years of relevant international trade or customs compliance experience
• At least 2 years of leadership or people management experience
• Strong, hands-on experience with U.S. import compliance, including customs classification and valuation
• Knowledge of import documentation, customs regulations, and trade compliance processes
• Experience managing or improving programs such as CTPAT, ISA, First Sale, and duty drawback
• Ability to work effectively with customs brokers, suppliers, vendors, government agencies, and internal teams
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and provide direction to a team
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess compliance risks and make informed decisions
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex regulations, costs, and risks to non-compliance stakeholders
• Experience improving processes, systems, reporting, or workflows
• Comfort working with data and spreadsheet-based reporting, with an interest in automation and technology improvements
• Ability to work Onsite in Oak Brook, IL, during normal business hours, with occasional calls involving international teams
• Licensed Customs Broker credential strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Spanish or Mandarin language skills are a plus

Key Details

• Compensation: $145,000–$165,000
• Location: Oak Brook, IL
• Work Model: Onsite
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employment Type: Direct Hire

Step into a Global Trade Compliance Manager role where you’ll lead a capable team, strengthen critical import compliance processes, and drive improvements that support international operations across a complex, global supply chain.

Thank you,
Giovanna Breslin

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