Director of Strategic Trade Compliance

We are seeking a Director, Strategic Trade Compliance to join our team. In this role you will be the senior authority responsible for overseeing the company’s global import, export, and sanctions compliance programs. This role defines and executes enterprise trade compliance strategy, ensures adherence to U.S. and international trade regulations, and partners with executive leadership to mitigate regulatory risk while enabling efficient global commerce.

The Director leads a global or multi-regional team of trade professionals, governs compliance frameworks and internal controls, drives digital and systems transformation, and serves as the primary liaison with government agencies and regulators.

This position reports the Vice President of Strategic Soucing, Procurement and Supplier Quality and is based in Irvine, CA
.

As the Director of Strategic Trade Compliance, you will have the following key responsibilities:

• Define and execute the global trade compliance strategy across import, export, and sanctions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, delivering insights on trade risk, regulatory changes, and cost optimization.
• Lead, develop, and scale a global or regional team of trade compliance professionals.
• Establish and govern enterprise trade compliance policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks.
• Monitor global legislative and regulatory developments (Customs, ITAR, EAR, OFAC, trade remedies) and guide proactive business response.

• Oversee global import compliance programs ensuring accurate customs declarations, documentation, and controls.
• Act as subject matter authority on tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, and partner government agency requirements.
• Optimize use of Free and Preferential Trade Agreements (FTAs) and duty-savings programs.
• Govern Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) compliance and operations, including CTPAT, Importer Self-Assessment (ISA), Duty Drawback, and Reconciliation.
• Manage exposure to trade remedies and regulations, including IEEPA, Sections 232 & 301, anti-dumping, and countervailing duties.
• Partner with customs brokers and government agencies to resolve audits, inquiries, and compliance issues.

• Oversee export compliance programs aligned with ITAR, EAR, and Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR).
• Lead jurisdiction and classification determinations (USML/CCL).
• Manage export licensing and authorizations, including DSP-5 licenses, TAAs, and Commerce licenses.
• Oversee export authorizations through DECCS and SNAP-R.
• Govern deemed export controls, technology control plans, and end-use/end-user/destination restrictions.
• Deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders on export control requirements.

• Govern OFAC sanctions compliance, including restricted party screening and beneficial ownership due diligence.
• Ensure effective screening tools, escalation protocols, and recordkeeping processes are maintained.

• Lead internal audits, compliance assessments, investigations, and remediation activities.
• Manage voluntary disclosures and regulatory communications with CBP, BIS, DDTC, and OFAC.
• Represent the company in regulatory matters, audits, and industry associations.

• Drive automation and digital enablement of trade compliance processes.
• Lead enterprise trade system initiatives (e.g., SAP S/4
  
  HANA, SAP GTS, Descartes), including design, implementation, and governance.
• Leverage ACE trade data, dashboards, KPIs, and analytics to monitor performance and risk.
• Manage large-scale programs and budgets, ensuring timely delivery, adoption, and sustained outcomes.

• Partner with Supply Chain, Sourcing, Legal, Engineering, Finance, Tax, IT, Logistics, and Procurement teams.
• Advise business leaders on sourcing strategies, product design, distribution models, and market entry decisions.
• Embed trade compliance requirements into enterprise processes and systems.

• Experience:
  
  10+ years of progressive experience in international trade…