Trade Compliance Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Rubbercraft is seeking a Trade Compliance Manager to lead and oversee trade compliance activities at our Long Beach, CA facility. This position will serve as the site's primary subject matter expert, responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining compliant import and export processes in accordance with applicable U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requirements.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on trade compliance professional who can independently manage day-to-day compliance activities while driving process improvements, mitigating regulatory risks, and strengthening the site's overall compliance program. This role offers the opportunity to further develop the trade compliance function and support future team growth as business needs evolve.

About Rubbercraft:  Rubbercraft (RCC) is a trusted leader in engineered elastomer solutions serving aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Our team designs and manufactures precision-molded seals, gaskets, and custom rubber components that perform in the most demanding environments. We take pride in craftsmanship, collaboration, and a culture built on innovation and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Compliance Program Management

• Lead and manage the site's import and export compliance activities, ensuring adherence to CBP, ITAR, EAR, and other applicable trade regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain trade compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls to support regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Oversee product classifications, including Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) determinations, customs valuation, and country of origin requirements.
• Serve as the primary site subject matter expert and point of contact for trade compliance matters.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen compliance processes, improve efficiencies, and support the continued development of the trade compliance function.

Export Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage export licensing activities, including preparation, submission, tracking, and maintenance of export licenses and authorizations.
• Evaluate applicable export license requirements, exemptions, and exceptions to ensure compliance with ITAR and EAR.
• Oversee import and export transactions to ensure appropriate documentation, classifications, licensing, and regulatory approvals are maintained.
• Monitor changes in trade regulations and assess their impact on business operations.
• Provide guidance on complex import/export compliance matters and escalate significant regulatory concerns as appropriate.

Audits, Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead internal trade compliance audits, risk assessments, and compliance reviews to identify potential gaps and areas for improvement.
• Investigate potential trade compliance issues, coordinate corrective actions, and support resolution of regulatory concerns.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive action plans to address compliance risks.
• Maintain accurate compliance records and documentation in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen trade compliance controls and reduce operational risk.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Training

• Partner with Engineering, Sales, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations, and other stakeholders to ensure trade compliance requirements are incorporated into business processes.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to employees on import/export regulations, licensing requirements, and internal compliance procedures.
• Collaborate with site and business leadership to identify compliance risks and develop practical solutions.
• Support vendor compliance, screening, and approval processes.
• Contribute to the long-term development of the trade compliance function, including potential team growth as business needs evolve.

Facility & Information Control (ITAR)

• Oversee and support site-level ITAR compliance controls, including visitor access, controlled technical data, and deemed export considerations.
• Partner with appropriate internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable export-controlled information and facility access requirements.
• Identify and address potential gaps in ITAR-related processes and controls.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in import/export compliance, international trade compliance, or export controls, including experience independently managing complex compliance activities.
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and U.S. Customs regulations (CBP).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with HTS and ECCN classifications, export licensing, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience developing, implementing, or improving trade compliance processes, policies, and internal controls.
• Experience conducting compliance audits, risk assessments, and resolving regulatory compliance issues.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and provide practical guidance to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with compliance data, reporting, and documentation.
• Experience with trade compliance systems, ERP platforms, or government systems such as ACE, Epicor, or similar.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret and Special Access Program (SAP) clearances, if required for assigned responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing industry.
• Previous experience serving as a site-level trade compliance lead or subject matter expert.
• Experience with both import and export compliance in a manufacturing environment.
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) designation.
• Experience mentoring or leading compliance professionals or supporting the development of a trade compliance function.

Work Environment

• This is a fully onsite position based in Long Beach, CA.

BENEFITS:

At Rubbercraft, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

RCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.