Head of International Trade Governance and Empowered Official

Job Description

Job Description

Head of International Trade Governance and Empowered Official

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (Hybrid)

Travel: Periodic travel to subsidiary locations required

Is this you?

• Do you thrive at the intersection of global commerce and regulation?
• Can you translate ITAR, EAR, and U.S. Customs rules into practical, scalable processes?
• Are you ready to serve as the company’s Empowered Official and set enterprise standards?

About the opportunity

At Ignium, your mandate is clear: build and lead a high-impact trade governance framework that enables growth while safeguarding compliance across our company and subsidiaries. You will be the authority on export control licensing, classification, customs adherence, and international trade obligations—while partnering across functions to hardwire compliance into everyday operations.

What you’ll do

• Serve as the corporate Empowered Official and steward of the Trade Compliance Program.
• Own ITAR/EAR licensing, agreements, exemptions, and all corresponding submissions.
• Direct jurisdiction assessments and export product classification (USML/ECCN).
• Ensure rigorous compliance with U.S. Customs requirements; oversee documentation and customs broker activities.
• Author and maintain policies, procedures, and SOPs underpinning trade compliance.
• Stand up and run audit, monitoring, and corrective action programs across the enterprise.
• Manage denied party screening, due diligence checks, and organizational risk assessments.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Contracts, Supply Chain, Operations, Shipping, and HR to embed controls.
• Deliver role-based training tailored to diverse teams and regions.
• Lead inquiries into potential non-compliance and prepare voluntary disclosures when appropriate.
• Provide direction and mentorship to compliance professionals across subsidiaries.
• Guide integration of newly acquired entities into the corporate compliance ecosystem.
• Travel to domestic and international subsidiary sites as needed.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in export controls and international trade compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of:
• Experience preparing and managing ITAR and EAR license applications.
• Experience with DDTC DECCS, BIS SNAP-R, and CBP ACE.
• Deep familiarity with Incoterms and international shipping documentation.
• Exceptional communication, analysis, and leadership abilities.
• Eligibility to serve as an ITAR Empowered Official.
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred qualifications

• ECoP ITAR and ECoP EAR certifications.
• Prior service as an Empowered Official.
• Background in defense or aerospace.
• Experience with EU Dual-Use Regulations and international export compliance.
• Track record implementing enterprise compliance programs and audit frameworks.

Work environment

• Hybrid role based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Occasional domestic and international travel required.
• Work includes extended time at a computer.
• Flexibility to support business needs outside standard hours.

Tools you’ll use

• ERP Software

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veteran