Director of Trade Compliance

Newly created position Direct Reports: 6

DESCRIPTION:

Our client is looking for an experienced Director of Trade Compliance to lead and oversee a comprehensive global trade compliance program. This newly created leadership position is responsible for ensuring adherence to applicable U.S. and international import and export regulations while supporting accurate, timely, and compliant global trade operations. Our client is a global leader in aircraft inventory support serving airlines, MROs, and OEMs across more than 140 countries. With a massive international footprint - including major hubs in the US, Europe, and more - they have established themselves as a premier partner in the aerospace supply chain. The Director of Trade Compliance will partner closely with internal leadership, the Trade Compliance Manager, Finance, Operations, and third-party customs brokers and logistics providers. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert on complex trade compliance matters, drive strategic compliance initiatives, mitigate regulatory and operational risks, and identify opportunities to optimize duty and tax exposure. Strong hands-on expertise in EAR, OFAC, and BIS is required from day one.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Develop, implement, standardize, and continuously enhance the organization's global trade compliance program, including policies, procedures, internal controls, investigations, audits, training, and escalation processes. Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and internal controls supporting compliance with U.S., UK/EU, and other applicable international trade regulations. Serve as a hands-on subject matter expert on export controls, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions requirements, and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) regulations; independently evaluate and resolve complex compliance matters. Provide strategic guidance to executive leadership regarding trade compliance risks, mitigation strategies, and potential business impacts. Oversee classification management, including HS, HTS, Schedule B, and Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) for part numbers maintained within the master database. Ensure appropriate import documentation, customs valuation, and country-of-origin determinations. Provide clear and accurate instructions to freight forwarders and customs brokers to facilitate compliant and timely customs clearance. Lead export compliance activities, including licensing determinations, screening processes, and documentation requirements. Conduct end-use and end-user reviews, restricted-party screening, and due diligence in accordance with applicable export control and sanctions requirements. Assess diversion and transshipment risks and establish appropriate controls to mitigate exposure. Lead internal trade compliance audits, investigations, and assessments. Monitor changes in applicable trade regulations and coordinate timely implementation of necessary updates across the organization. Identify and implement strategies designed to minimize applicable duty and tax exposure while maintaining regulatory compliance. Collaborate with Finance and Operations to evaluate unit pricing structures and potential duty-saving opportunities. Manage applicable duty relief programs, including duty drawback and other available mechanisms. Develop and deliver trade compliance training for relevant internal stakeholders. Promote compliance awareness, accountability, and consistent application of trade requirements across business units. Maintain current documentation covering trade compliance policies, procedures, controls, and regulatory guidance. Directly oversee relationships and transactions involving third-party customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers, including screening, clearance instructions, performance management, and issue escalation. Support high-volume inbound and outbound international shipment activities with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and timeliness. Provide expert guidance on escalated or complex compliance matters using sound, risk-based decision-making. Lead, coach, and develop a distributed Trade Compliance team of six direct reports across Miami and the UK. Perform other duties as assigned.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Strong analytical skills and risk-based decision-making capabilities. Ability to independently evaluate complex regulatory matters and provide clear recommendations to executive leadership. Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy under pressure. Advanced proficiency in data management and Microsoft Excel. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex regulatory concepts effectively. Ability to influence and collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. Proactive approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Ability to manage competing priorities within a fast-paced, global environment. High degree of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree preferred, not required or equivalent professional experience Licensed Customs Broker (LCB), CUSECO, CUEO, or comparable trade compliance certification is a plus Minimum of 5+ years of progressively responsible trade compliance experience/ with demonstrated ownership of a trade compliance program or major program components. Proven experience leading, building, scaling, or materially improving a trade compliance program, including procedures, internal controls, investigations, audits, training, and escalations. Required hands-on expertise in: Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including practical interpretation and application. OFAC sanctions compliance and restricted-party due diligence. BIS regulations, licensing considerations, and enforcement requirements. End-use/end-user screening and restricted-party screening. Diversion and transshipment risk analysis and mitigation. Required working knowledge of: U.S. import/export requirements and regulations. UK/EU import/export requirements and operational compliance practices. ITAR working knowledge is preferred but is not required from day one. Tariff classification. Customs valuation. Customs and country-of-origin rules. INCOTERMs and international logistics processes. Required direct experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics providers in a high-volume international shipping environment. Experience with duty relief management, duty drawback, tariff classification, customs valuation, and country-of-origin determinations is strongly preferred. Industry Requirements : Aviation/aerospace experience is strongly preferred but not required. Strong Trade Compliance leaders from other highly regulated industries such as defense, technology/semiconductors, automotive, industrial manufacturing, medical devices, energy, or global logistics will be considered if they bring strong EAR/OFAC/BIS and international trade experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS:

First 30 days: Understand the current program, team, open risks, procedures, customers, and escalation process. By 60 days: Identify gaps and establish priorities, ownership, and controls. By 90 days: Present a clear proposal for the standardized operating structure, strengthen procedures and training, and provide leadership with a defined compliance roadmap. Compensation: Salary $140K (could be more based on experience) + annual performance bonus targeted at 10-15% of base salary + benefits, PTO, 401K plan ttg Talent Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and recruiting agency. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test and background check. We maintain a drug- and substance-free workplace to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr ttg Talent Solutions