Senior Director of Trade Compliance

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client, a global industrial technology company operating across electronics, transportation, and industrial markets, in a search for a Senior Director of Trade Compliance to build and lead a next-generation global program.

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a high-impact global trade compliance function for a confidential public company operating across complex international markets. The role sits at the center of growth, supply chain resilience, and executive risk visibility, with the chance to shape a more proactive, enterprise-grade compliance model at a pivotal moment for the business. For the right leader, this is a true build mandate with meaningful influence across legal, operations, finance, and the broader enterprise.

The company is a global industrial technology organization that designs and manufactures critical components such as circuit protection, power control, sensing, and semiconductor solutions used across electronics, transportation, and industrial markets. It operates in more than 20 countries and serves a diverse customer base, with its products embedded in mission‑critical applications where safety, reliability, and energy efficiency are essential.

Positioned at the center of major global trends such as electrification, energy transition, and advanced manufacturing, the company operates within increasingly complex regulatory and supply chain environments that directly impact growth, margins, and operational resilience.

Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, this leader will design and implement a scalable global trade compliance operating model across import, export, customs, sanctions, and regulatory frameworks.

The mandate is to evolve the function from a reactive model into a proactive, enterprise-grade capability that enables growth while managing regulatory risk.

• Define and lead global trade compliance strategy, governance, and operating model
• Oversee customs, tariffs, classification, origin, valuation, export controls, and sanctions compliance
• Establish controls, monitoring, audit readiness, and remediation processes
• Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations
• Lead M&A diligence and integration from a trade compliance perspective
• Build and develop a high-performing, globally aligned team

• 15+ years of global trade compliance experience with enterprise scope
• Proven ability to build or transform compliance programs in complex environments
• Deep expertise in customs, export controls, and sanctions frameworks
• Strong commercial judgment and ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience in global manufacturing or industrial sectors preferred

Greater Chicago Area, IL/Hybrid

$250,000-$300,000 plus bonus and other incentives. Offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid time off, annual bonus(es), 401K, healthcare