DIRECTOR OF TRADE COMPLIANCE

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Director of Trade Compliance to lead and oversee a comprehensive global trade compliance program. This position is responsible for ensuring adherence to applicable U.S. and international import and export regulations while supporting accurate, timely, and compliant global trade operations. Our client is a global leader in aircraft inventory support with nearly 30 years of experience serving airlines, MROs, and OEMs across more than 140 countries. With a massive international footprint—including major hubs in the US, Europe, and more—they have established themselves as a premier partner in the aerospace supply chain. The Director of Trade Compliance will partner closely with internal leadership, the Trade Compliance Manager, Finance, Operations, and third-party customs brokers and logistics providers. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert on complex trade compliance matters, drive strategic compliance initiatives, mitigate regulatory and operational risks, and identify opportunities to optimize duty and tax exposure.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the organization's global trade compliance program.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and internal controls supporting compliance with U.S., UK/EU, and other applicable international trade regulations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on export controls, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions requirements, and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) regulations.
• Provide strategic guidance to executive leadership regarding trade compliance risks, mitigation strategies, and potential business impacts.
• Oversee classification management, including HS, HTS, Schedule B, and Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) for part numbers maintained within the master database.
• Ensure appropriate import documentation, customs valuation, and country-of-origin determinations.
• Provide clear and accurate instructions to freight forwarders and customs brokers to facilitate compliant and timely customs clearance.
• Lead export compliance activities, including licensing determinations, screening processes, and documentation requirements.
• Conduct end-use and end-user reviews in accordance with applicable export control regulations.
• Assess transshipment and diversion risks and establish appropriate controls to mitigate exposure.
• Lead internal trade compliance audits, investigations, and assessments.
• Monitor changes in applicable trade regulations and coordinate timely implementation of necessary updates across the organization.
• Identify and implement strategies designed to minimize applicable duty and tax exposure while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations to evaluate unit pricing structures and potential duty-saving opportunities.
• Manage applicable duty relief programs, including duty drawback and other available mechanisms.
• Develop and deliver trade compliance training for relevant internal stakeholders.
• Promote compliance awareness, accountability, and consistent application of trade requirements across business units.
• Maintain current documentation covering trade compliance policies, procedures, controls, and regulatory guidance.
• Partner closely with the Trade Compliance Manager and oversee relationships with third-party customs brokers and logistics providers.
• Support high-volume inbound and outbound shipment activities with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Provide expert guidance on escalated or complex compliance matters using sound, risk-based decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years of trade compliance experience with progressively increasing responsibility; 10+ years of experience is preferred for the director level.
• Aviation industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced certifications in trade compliance are a plus.
• Strong expertise in Export Administration Regulations (EAR), OFAC sanctions compliance, BIS regulations and enforcement, end-use and end-user screening, transshipment and diversion risk analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and U.S. import/export regulations, UK/EU import requirements, tariff classification, customs valuation, customs and country-of-origin rules, INCOTERMs and international logistics processes.
• Proven experience managing customs brokers and third-party logistics providers.
• Proven experience with duty relief management, tariff classification, customs valuation, and customs origin.

Skills

• Strong analytical skills