VP, International Trade Compliance

Job Summary:

The Vice President, International Trade Compliance is responsible for managing the trade compliance function and business units. The VP provides strategic advice, counsel, tools, education, and support to each of the business units to enable the units to conduct trade compliance activities in an efficient and consistent manner and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the requirements. The VP manages a diverse team of corporate personnel responsible for trade compliance throughout the world across a variety of aerospace and defense products.  The VP regularly and proactively interacts with senior management and serves as the primary point of contact with government agencies, outside counsel, and business unit leadership on issues of trade compliance.

This role demands exceptional analytical, communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills, as well as strong trade compliance expertise and experience. The VP must possess strong collaboration skills, effective relationship management capabilities, and be business-minded when advising on compliance strategies and solutions. This is a hands-on role; thus, the successful candidate also must excel at process implementation.

This role reports directly to the General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Secretary.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare, implement, and manage trade compliance programs in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Apply US and international trade regulations to real-life situations in an innovative, practical, and business-minded way to support operational goals of the business unit (e.g., streamlined, and efficient supply chain).
• Develop, draft, and implement policies, procedures, and work instructions in collaboration with various business units.
• Develop, implement, enhance, and maintain trade compliance management systems, processes, and process improvements to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Supervise the corporate trade compliance staff, including assigning workloads, setting priorities, providing guidance and assistance, and reviewing performance.
• Liaise with Government regulatory agencies on import or export compliance issues and respond to inquiries as required.
• Support regular trade compliance self-assessments for business units and assist business units in identifying potential efficiency improvements and ensure compliance.
•  Conduct and support acquisition due diligence and integration activities.
• Manage and periodically conduct trade compliance training for business unit trade compliance staff and the organization at large, including sales, finance, or engineering business partners.
• Support trade compliance audits and implement corrective actions, as required.
• Support the performance of each business unit’s trade compliance staff and daily trade compliance activities and function as a resource for business units on various topics, including:
  • Export classification and jurisdiction determinations.
  • Export permit and licensing applications and administration.
  • Technology transfers / Deemed exports.
  • Controlled Goods Program oversight
  • Shipment clearance
  • Denied party, proliferation, and diversion screening.
  • Import classification, valuation, country of origin analysis, assist reporting.
  • Free Trade Agreement analysis and qualification
  • Management of Customs Brokers
  • Record-keeping and accurate documentation
  • Review and approval of visitor and travel requests.
• Lead, report, and/or assist with investigations of any incidences of purported non-compliance with export/import laws and regulations, identification, implementation, and maintenance of corrective actions, and drafting and filing of voluntary or prior disclosures with Government regulatory agencies.
• Work cross-functionally with business teams across the company to analyze legal risks, devise creative solutions, and develop strong, trusted advisor relationships.
• Keep abreast of changes in trade laws and regulations (including Free Trade Agreements and other duty deferral programs) to ensure compliance and provide strategic advice to operating units.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, JD preferred.
• Significant experience (at least 10 years) and expertise in domestic and international trade compliance.
• Ability to interact effectively with other functions, including Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Logistics, as well as Business Unit Trade Compliance staff and corporate leadership.
• Experience and working knowledge of U.S., Canadian, and other country export and import laws and regulations, including customs laws and controlled goods regulations.
• Specific experience with trade compliance in manufacturing, specifically aerospace and defense, is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication (written, oral, and presentations), and interpersonal skills.
• Strong critical thinking and project management skills, ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complexity and ambiguity.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in managing complex trade compliance matters and developing innovative solutions with a successful record of problem-solving.
• Ability to manage a high volume of work at a detailed level in a fast-paced environment, working with frequent interruptions and minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Experience in training, mentoring, and managing staff.
• Able and willing to travel domestically and internationally at least 25%.
• Security clearance capabilities would be a positive factor.