Sr. Director or AVP of Global Trade Operations

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for end-to-end operational performance of managed services accounts, ensuring consistent, high quality production output across all service lines
• Ensure all client work is delivered in accordance with contractual, regulatory, and quality expectations, proactively mitigating risks and managing escalations
• Lead and develop global teams, establishing clear accountability, performance standards, and a culture of ownership and continuous improvement
• Oversee daily production operations, including volume management, SLA adherence, and optimal resource utilization
• Implement and enforce standardized processes, workflows, and quality control mechanisms to drive consistency and scalability
• Establish and maintain operational governance, including audit programs, data privacy, and security compliance
• Translate executive priorities into disciplined operational execution, ensuring alignment across teams and successful delivery of key initiatives

Functional Requirements and Specific Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in global trade compliance, including classification, screening, and regulatory interpretation
• Stay current on regulatory changes and ensure timely communication and implementation across teams
• Support complex client scenarios and escalations requiring deep compliance expertise
• Partner with Sales and leadership on proposals, presentations, and solution design
• Collaborate cross-functionally with IT, Finance, Legal, and other teams to support operational effectiveness
• Identify and drive opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and service enhancement
• Support recruiting and onboarding programs
• Organize, prioritize and manage work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements, independent of supervision
• Cook up and manage internal training and employee development worldwide to strengthen team capability
• Ensure proper quality controls are in place, tracked and measured
• Work with the account teams and clients to assist in identifying new opportunities to provide value for our clients
• Communicate all client and/or vigilant policy and procedural changes

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or related field
• Customs Brokers License and/or other Industry Certifications are an added benefit
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in operational leadership, supply chain and/or global trade compliance operations
• Demonstrated success in managed services, consulting and/or outsourcing environments
• Deep expertise in Global Trade compliance processes, policies and controls, including, but not limited to the following:
• Global Import, Export and Logistics activities
• ITAR, DSP-5, DSP-83
• Classification (ECCN, Dual-Use, HTS/HS)
• Worldwide sanctions and regulatory programs
• GRC and Vendor Onboarding & Management Activities
• UK/EU Financial Crime, KYC and AML
• Strong understanding of data privacy and security requirements
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, with a proven ability to adapt to a dynamic environment
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to manage, support and optimize various automation systems (ERP, production systems, AI, trade compliance platforms and screening tools)
• Proven ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and written, with clients, coworkers and senior leadership
• Strong customer relationship and sales skills
• Proven ability to effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams – Including Sales, Finance, IT, Operations and Legal
• Demonstrated leadership qualities in Mentoring and Conflict/Issue resolution