Global Trade Compliance Director

About the role

This Global Trade Compliance Director role, based in Florham Park, NJ, offers a highly visible opportunity to lead global compliance strategy across the Fluid and Motion Control (FLMC) businesses within the Final Control Business Group. You will guide the development and execution of a comprehensive International Trade Compliance (ITC) program that supports ethical operations, reduces risk, and enables efficient global business.

Responsibilities

• Autonomously enable the ethical execution of legal business opportunities, proactively mitigating risk and reducing cost.
• Oversee the ITC function for FLMC and take responsibility for the development and management of the Americas FLMC Trade Compliance team and program.
• Directly manage and lead a global team of compliance professionals, supporting their individual development, project management, and program execution.
• Direct FLMC locations' compliance programs, supporting site self-assessment(s), program verification process(es), improvement plans, and business profile(s) to ensure they are complete and maintained.
• Ensure each FLMC business/location has implemented the necessary operational procedures, procedural training, and periodic auditing to meet the requirements of their ITC program.
• Own and oversee export, import, and supply chain security compliance, including customs valuation, classification, origin, free trade agreements, and CTPAT/AEO-related controls for all FLMC locations.
• Participate in Regulatory Compliance strategic projects, teams, and initiatives.
• Act as FLMC’s escalation point of contact for Trade Compliance.
• Assist with the investigation of suspected violations of applicable regulations or related company policies, preparation of disclosures, and development of remedial measures.
• Collaborate with other ITC leaders, including the Final Control ITC leader, to ensure transparency, provide support, and help drive Emerson’s global Regulatory Compliance goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with other functional areas (e.g., Legal, Finance, HR, Internal Audit, Sales) to direct compliance issues to appropriate channels for investigation and resolution, consulting with Emerson management and external legal counsel as needed.
• Serve as FLMC’s primary interface with government authorities (e.g., BIS, OFAC, CBP, DoS) in coordination with Corporate Regulatory Compliance and Legal, including audits, inquiries, and enforcement actions.
• Lead or assist in Trade Compliance-related projects and programs as applicable to FLMC.
• Promote Emerson’s purpose, causes, and values while supporting FLMC’s strategic plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Relevant experience in a multinational environment with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, leading a trade compliance organization, implementing function standards, best practices, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of maquila operations and free trade agreements, especially USMCA.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in ambiguous, high-risk situations and make and defend decisions with incomplete information.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, scalable business solutions.
• Working knowledge of international trade regulations (e.g., OFAC, BIS, DoS, U.S. and Mexico Customs Regulations).
• Strong critical thinking skills to interpret the fluid trade compliance landscape.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required (estimated 10%).
• Ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in international trade, compliance, business, legal studies, finance, or a related field.
• Experience leading people, mentoring, coaching, programs, and/or large-scale projects.
• U.S. Customs Broker License.
• Experience using systems such as JDE, Oracle, E2Open, or TradeSphere Exporter.
• Knowledge of product environmental regulations (e.g., REACH, RoHS, IEC standards).
• Knowledge of anti-corruption standards and due diligence processes.
• Multi-lingual (Spanish a strong plus).

Skills

• Articulate possibilities that create sustainable value.
• Promote a sense of urgency and establish and enforce individual accountability in the team.
• Deliver messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner.
• Facilitate open dialogue with a wide variety of contributors and stakeholders.
• Think globally and excel at viewing issues on a global basis.

Benefits

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives. Our commitment to ongoing career development and an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive through mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities.

Pay

The starting salary for this role is $150,000 - $180,000 annually and is eligible for bonus, commensurate with the skills, talent, capabilities, and experience each candidate brings to the role.