Director of Compliance

Director of Compliance

The Director of Compliance serves as the senior leader responsible for shaping, implementing, and continuously enhancing Hanwha Defense USA's export, import, and trade compliance program. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and subject matter expertise in U.S. Department of State International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Department of Commerce Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and related U.S. government trade laws and regulations.

The Director will architect and scale a comprehensive compliance function, partnering closely with Security on matters related to export control intersections with classified programs and supporting FOCI/SSP activities. This role ensures the company's ability to conduct international business effectively while protecting national security interests and meeting all regulatory obligations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and other U.S. export/import laws. Advise executives, program leadership, and cross functional teams on complex regulatory interpretations, business impacts, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain scalable internal policies, procedures, controls, and governance mechanisms to ensure compliant international operations.
• Oversee and approve complex licensing strategies and submissions, including Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), DSP5s, DSP85s, proviso reconsiderations, exemptions, exceptions, and related authorizations.
• Direct the monitoring of export and import activities to ensure full compliance throughout the business lifecycle. Provide oversight for jurisdiction, classification, and technology release assessments.
• Serve as primary liaison with government agencies for trade compliance matters, including licensing officers, regulators, and auditors. Lead resolution of complex, sensitive, or time critical issues.
• Provide subject matter support on export control aspects of FOCI mitigation, foreign person controls, and classified program requirements in partnership with the Security organization.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high performing compliance team with capabilities in licensing, audits, training, classification, monitoring, and investigations.
• Lead internal self-assessments, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee root cause analyses and implementation of corrective actions for identified issues.
• Direct investigations of potential export/import violations. Manage disclosures, corrective actions, and interactions with government authorities as necessary.
• Ensure comprehensive screening of parties and transactions. Oversee review and approval of international travel, foreign visitor interactions, technology releases, and related export control activities.
• Provide support to marketing, business development, program management, supply chain, and engineering for trade compliance needs, including trade shows, demonstrations, and international engagements.
• Ensure proper recordkeeping, reporting, and document retention consistent with regulatory and company requirements.
• Develop and deliver export control and compliance training to employees at all levels, including tailored senior leadership briefings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated expertise in ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and U.S. export/import regulatory frameworks.
• Strong background in complex defense programs, foreign military sales, and direct commercial sales.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing trade compliance strategies in a global defense environment.
• Proven ability to lead high stakes licensing activities, including TAAs, DSP5s, DSP85s, proviso management, and classified hand carry processes.
• Strong understanding of jurisdiction and classification methodologies.
• Experience supporting FOCI/SSP activities and navigating export control intersections with classified programs.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, business focused guidance for senior leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief executives on compliance risks and strategic considerations.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively across cross functional teams, and in a multinational corporate environment.
• Experience using DECCS, SNAPR, global trade management systems, and related government portals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, International Relations, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in export/import/trade compliance within the defense industry.
• Experience building or leading a compliance department strongly preferred.

Special Requirements

• This position may require access to controlled data or information. Only U.S. persons will be considered.

Hanwha Defense USA is committed to pay transparency and equitable compensation practices. The salary range listed for this position represents a good faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant skills/experience, education and certifications, market and business considerations, and internal pay equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for discretionary annual bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation as part of Hanwha Defense USA's total rewards package.

Hanwha Defense USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.