Export Control Manager/Senior Manager

Leonid Group has been retained by a global leader in optical and photonic technologies to appoint a Export Control Manager/Senior Manager based in San Jose, California.

This role is critical in supporting the US export operations and strengthening the company’s global export compliance framework.

As part of the Americas Trade Operations Team within the Legal function, this role serves as a primary subject matter expert on US export controls, ensuring compliance with the EAR, ITAR, and related regulatory requirements.

This role leads jurisdiction and classification activities, manages export licensing and authorizations, oversees regulatory and sanctions screening, conducts end-use and end-user due diligence, and administers deemed export controls for the region.

Core Responsibilities:

• Export Control Classification: Determine and document export jurisdiction and classification for hardware and technology under the EAR and ITAR. Perform de minimis and FDP analyses; evaluate applicability of EAR license exceptions; conduct complex classification and jurisdiction assessments. Assign and maintain ECCNs, support CCATS submissions, and ensure accurate, auditable classification records.
• Export Licensing Management: Identify licensing requirements and assess eligibility for EAR exceptions and ITAR exemptions. Prepare, submit, and manage export licenses, including TAAs and MLAs. Track and enforce compliance with license provisos, conditions, and restrictions, ensuring complete and audit-ready documentation.
• End-Use, End-User, and Destination Screening: Conduct end-use, end-user, destination, and restricted-party screening. Perform embargo and sanctions checks, evaluate red flags, and conduct diversion-risk and KYC due diligence for export transactions.
• Deemed Export & Technology Control: Manage deemed export compliance, including nationality-based access reviews, licensing determinations, and license application tracking. Develop, implement, and maintain Technology Control Plans (TCPs). Communicate license conditions, monitor access controls, and ensure compliant handling of controlled technology.
• Compliance Program Management, Regulatory Monitoring & Training: Support continuous improvement of the global export compliance program. Contribute to internal controls, audits, gap assessments, root-cause analyses, and corrective action plans. Maintain compliant export records and support updates to procedures and work instructions. Develop and deliver training on export controls, ITAR, and corporate compliance requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Advisory Support: Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Sales, IT, and other functions to integrate export control requirements into operations. Provide practical compliance guidance to enable efficient global activities while mitigating risk. Support re-export and downstream compliance with regional and global trade teams. Deliver training and day-to-day advisory support across the business.
• Process Improvement, Automation & Digital Innovation: Lead process and workflow enhancements to strengthen U.S. export compliance operations. Evaluate and implement automation, digital tools, and AI-driven solutions to improve data accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Collaborate cross-functionally to modernize systems and streamline compliance processes.
• External Engagement & Regulatory Interface: Engage with industry peers, trade associations, and relevant U.S. government agencies to stay informed on regulatory developments and emerging best practices. Participate in industry working groups, monitor policy changes, and provide feedback to regulators when appropriate. Represent the company in external export control forums to support proactive compliance and strategic alignment with regulatory trends.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in international business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related
• 8+ years of U.S. export control experience with the EAR, ITAR, and U.S. sanctions.
• Proven proficiency across all U.S. export control activities referenced in the Core Responsibilities section, with hands-on experience executing complex classification, licensing, screening, and technology control requirements.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail in complex regulatory scenarios.
• Effective communicator with the ability to advise and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced, global environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with Global Trade Management or ERP-based compliance tools.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CES, CUSECO) a plus.

Leonid Group Corporate Governance is a talent advisory firm that specialises in the placement of Legal, Compliance, Risk, ESG and Sustainability and Audit professionals on an international scale across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. These are global disciplines with teams worldwide, and our network reflects this. We work with multinational corporations to help structure their departments with the best people, from the Global Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel to the Compliance Analyst and Trade Compliance Specialist.