Director, Global Legal Services (Compliance)

We take care of our employees, and they take care of our customers!

Become a member of a global community! The international logistics industry is an integral piece of the global trade puzzle; we make the world go round. Global supply chain management is what we do, and at the heart of Expeditors you will find professionalism, leadership, and a friendly environment, all of which foster an innovative, customer service-based approach to logistics. Expeditors is a global logistics company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. As a Fortune 500 company, we employ over 19,000 trained professionals in a worldwide network of over 350+ locations across six continents. Expeditors satisfies the increasingly sophisticated needs of international trade through customized solutions and seamless, integrated information systems.

Our Mission

We recruit, train, and retain the very best logistics and technical experts the world over. We love to promote from within - more than 50 percent of our employees have been at Expeditors for five years or more. Our high retention rate is influenced by a unique compensation program for positions that are more than just jobs - they're chances to grow, do what you love and build a career with us!

Job Description

The Director, Global Legal Services (Compliance) (“DGLSC”), will join a world-class legal department providing advice, strategy, training, and guidance on compliance issues throughout the global, international network that is Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Expeditors”), a publicly traded Fortune 500 company based in Bellevue, Washington). Working in tandem with the VP, Associate General Counsel, and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, the successful candidate for the DGLSC opportunity will be responsible for, among other programs and projects, the design, oversight, and continuous improvement of Expeditors’ global compliance program, with direct advisory engagement to and with company leadership

This role does not require deep prior experience in supply chain, trade, customs brokerage,or transportation compliance. We are seeking candidates with strong critical thinking, sound judgment, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. We welcome applicants from diverse legal and compliance backgrounds, including litigation, internal investigations, government enforcement, regulatory, and other advisory practices, who have demonstrated the ability to analyze complex issues, manage risk, and drive practical business solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supporting and advising leadership and business teams, including executives, managers, employee relations, technology, and operations, regarding compliance with existing and forthcoming laws and regulations, including compliance with applicable and relevant international laws and regulations.
• Advising (with subject-matter expertise) on issues such as import and export controls; sanctions and embargoes; denied parties and vessels; anti-corruption, antitrust, and anti-boycott laws and regulations; enterprise risk mitigation; artificial intelligence; and the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, its policies, and its standards.
• Managing compliance‑related regulatory matters; internal and external investigations and audits; subpoena responses; enforcement inquiries; significant corporate litigation matters; and outside counsel, including related strategy, budgets, and reporting to Legal Department leadership.
• Leading core compliance projects and initiatives involving multiple internal stakeholders, including Internal Audit, Accounting/Finance, Employee Relations, Global Technology, operations, and senior business leadership.
• Partnering closely with Internal Audit and Accounting/Finance to support compliance risk assessments, monitoring, whistleblower reports, and remediation efforts.
• Designing, implementing, and maintaining compliance policies, standards, procedures, and internal controls.
• Developing and delivering targeted, role‑appropriate compliance training for employees, managers, and executives.
• Managing, supervising, and developing direct reports, including setting priorities, providing practical guidance and feedback, supporting career development, and helping team members grow into broader legal and compliance responsibilities.
• Providing effective cross-functional support inside and outside of the legal department.
• Contributing to Legal Department strategy, compliance program enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Travel: Expected 5% to 15%; valid passport/authorized to travel internationally required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate, Bachelor of Laws, or equivalent degree
• Licensed/authorized to practice law and in good standing
• 12+ years of legal experience with significant responsibility for corporate compliance programs, regulatory inquiries, or government investigations matters; and/or litigation experience involving complex corporate disputes, enforcement matters, or other high-stakes legal matters; experience at a top law firm and/or in-house legal department preferred.
• Impeccable integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness while also understanding the appropriate initiative and work ethic dictated by Company leadership
• Demonstrated people-management experience, including the ability to manage direct reports, support career development, collaborate with other practice groups, and lead cross-functional projects involving multiple internal stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to exercise appropriate independent initiative while remaining aligned with Company leadership and business objectives.
• Significant experience advising on international compliance matters in the logistics and transport sector, including anti‑corruption, sanctions, export controls, and regulatory investigations preferred.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent business judgment and ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Fluent oral and written English required and fluency in additional languages an asset

Additional Information

This position is on-site at our Bellevue, WA global headquarters office  

We offer a highly competitive total compensation package that is intentionally designed to reward our employees for contributing to the Company’s long-term success. 

This position has a base salary of $100,000, complemented by a quarterly bonus based on a percentage of the Company’s operating income. Unlike traditional bonus programs, our incentive compensation is directly tied to the Company’s financial performance, allowing employees to share in our continued growth and success. For a successful candidate meeting performance expectations, the total cash compensation during the first year is targeted at $340,000 comprised of a target bonus of $240,000 (tied to the Company’s operating income) and the base salary of $100,000. As the Company’s operating income grows over time, the bonus opportunity has the potential to grow as well.

In addition, long-term equity awards may also be available for this position, providing the opportunity to participate in the Company’s long-term value creation.

If you are seeking a role where exceptional performance is rewarded through a meaningful, performance-driven compensation structure with significant upside, we encourage you to apply.

Expeditors offers excellent benefits:

• Paid Vacation (first year prorated based off month of hire then eligible for 15 days)
• Holidays (10)
• Flexible Days (2)
• Paid Sick Time (accrual rate of 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours paid)
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (additional eligibility criteria)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DC FSA)
• Commuter Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Learning & Development Program
• Educational Assistance and Reimbursement

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO Guidelines.