Global Trade Compliance Manager

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