Senior Global Trade Compliance Manager

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Global Trade Compliance Manager to join John Crane. This role is responsible for leading and enhancing the global trade compliance function, ensuring adherence to international trade regulations while minimising risk and optimising duty costs.

Reporting into senior leadership, you will act as a strategic advisor on trade compliance risks and opportunities, supporting the organisation’s international growth and operational excellence across multiple regions.

• Develop and continuously improve the global trade compliance framework.
• Align operational processes with corporate governance policies and ethical standards.
• Monitor geopolitical and regulatory changes, advising leadership on risks and mitigation strategies.

• Act as subject matter expert on export controls, sanctions, customs and antiboycott regulations.
• Ensure effective compliance controls, operational processes and frameworks are embedded across global operations.
• Oversee product classification, licensing, customs processes and restricted party screening.
• Conduct audits, investigations and corrective actions in collaboration with internal audit and compliance teams.
• Lead strategies to reduce tariff exposure and duty costs across global operations.
• Deliver tariff modelling, forecasting and scenario planning.
• Drive utilisation of free trade agreements and duty recovery initiatives.

• Lead optimisation and implementation of trade compliance systems, including SAP GTS and ERP platforms.
• Drive automation of classification, screening and documentation processes.
• Enhance governance of classification and origin data management.

• Monitor and assess the global trade compliance risk profile.
• Ensure audit readiness and regulatory adherence across all regions.
• Investigate compliance issues and implement remediation actions.

• Lead and coordinate a global network of Trade Compliance Officers and regional managers.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, Commercial, Supply Chain and external advisors.
• Deliver training, build capability and drive a culture of compliance across the organisation.

• Significant experience in global trade compliance within a complex international business.
• Strong expertise in export controls, customs regulations, sanctions and trade laws.
• Proven experience leading global programmes, transformation initiatives and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with SAP, SAP GTS, QAD or similar trade compliance systems.
• Strong analytical, financial and strategic thinking capability.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage risk, drive compliance and deliver measurable business impact.
• Bachelor’s degree required; additional qualifications or certifications are advantageous.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.