Trade Compliance Program Manager - [BU] US & Canada

The Trade Compliance Program Manager is a senior professional role responsible for designing, executing, and continuously improving trade compliance programs to ensure adherence to global import/export regulations and corporate policies. This role applies deep regulatory knowledge and program‑management expertise to mitigate risk, support business operations, and enable compliant global trade activities.

Job Description

Role Overview The Trade Compliance Program Manager owns key elements of the organization’s trade compliance framework, including governance, policies, procedures, controls, and training. The role partners closely with Supply Chain, Logistics, Legal, Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to embed compliance within business processes. While remaining an individual contributor, the role provides informal leadership, guidance, and oversight for analysts or junior compliance staff. This position does not have formal people‑management responsibility and typically reports to a Global Trade Compliance Director, Compliance Leader, or Legal / Risk executive (P4 / M1). Key Responsibilities Trade Compliance Program Ownership Design, implement, and maintain trade compliance programs covering import, export, and sanctions requirements Establish policies, procedures, and controls aligned with applicable regulations and internal standards Ensure consistent execution of trade compliance requirements across business units and regions Regulatory Interpretation & Advisory Interpret global trade regulations (e.g., import/export controls, customs, sanctions) and translate them into operational guidance Serve as a subject‑matter expert for trade compliance inquiries and escalations Advise stakeholders on compliance considerations for transactions, shipments, and business decisions Risk Management & Controls Identify, assess, and mitigate trade compliance risks Develop and test internal controls to prevent violations Lead or support investigations of potential compliance issues and corrective actions Audits, Assessments & Remediation Lead internal trade compliance audits and self‑assessments Support external audits, regulatory inquiries, or government inspections Track findings, oversee remediation plans, and verify effectiveness Training, Awareness & Culture Develop and deliver trade compliance training and awareness programs Ensure relevant employees understand roles, responsibilities, and regulatory requirements Promote a culture of compliance and ethical trade practices Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner with Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Sales, Procurement, Finance, and Legal teams Support compliant execution of global trade activities while enabling business objectives Influence process design to embed compliance early and effectively Data, Reporting & Documentation Maintain accurate compliance records, licenses, and documentation Monitor KPIs and compliance metrics; report trends and risks to leadership Support data governance and record‑retention requirements Continuous Improvement & Program Enhancement Identify opportunities to streamline compliant trade processes Benchmark practices and recommend enhancements to tools, systems, or controls Support automation or digitization of compliance processes where appropriate Informal Leadership & Mentorship Provide technical guidance and review support to trade compliance analysts or coordinators Share best practices, lessons learned, and regulatory updates Support capability building within the compliance function Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Law, Compliance, or related field required (or equivalent experience) Professional certifications (e.g., customs or trade compliance credentials) preferred Typically 5–8 years of progressive experience in trade compliance, import/export compliance, customs, or regulatory roles Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Advanced knowledge of global trade compliance regulations and frameworks Strong program‑management, analytical, and risk‑assessment skills Ability to independently manage complex compliance initiatives Strong documentation, audit, and control design capability Effective communication and stakeholder‑management skills Ability to influence without formal authority High attention to detail, integrity, and sound judgment

Professional – P3 Organizational Impact • Works to achieve operational, functional, and/or business targets within team with direct impact on departmental or job family results • Established professional; works under limited supervision • Works independently on moderately complex projects/assignments and contributes to setting objectives or goals of projects and assignments within team Communication & Influence • Communicates with employees both within and occasionally outside of the department and/or job family on matters that require explanation, interpretation and/or advising; may communicate with external clients or partners depending upon the job area • Influences employees within the department at an operational level regarding concepts or practices and some advisement on approaches Innovation & Complexity • Responsible for making moderate improvements of processes, procedures, or systems to contribute to the performance of the team • Problems faced are difficult and mildly complex and typically impact the job family and/or multiple teams Leadership & Talent Management • Provides assistance and training to other employees • May lead significant parts of moderately complex projects or processes Knowledge & Experience • Requires advanced job knowledge and demonstrated competence within department, typically obtained through advanced education and relevant experience • Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and minimum 5 years of prior relevant experience