Trade Compliance Manager

About the role

We are working with a prestigious client who is looking for an experienced Trade Compliance Manager to lead and strengthen a company-wide program that supports lawful, efficient global trade activity in Memphis, Tennessee. This role is responsible for guiding import and export compliance efforts, partnering with leadership and cross-functional teams, and helping the business navigate evolving regulatory obligations. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in trade regulations, strong operational judgment, and the ability to build practical controls that support business performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ongoing development, oversight, and enhancement of the organization’s trade compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and internal control measures.
• Review import and export activity to verify adherence to applicable U.S. and international trade laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Direct and support team members as well as external partners involved in cross-border shipping, logistics, and trade-related operations.
• Advise business leaders and legal stakeholders on regulatory developments, risk areas, and compliance decisions affecting trade activities.
• Work with internal departments to streamline processes, strengthen controls, and improve the effectiveness of import and export operations.
• Design and deliver training initiatives that increase employee understanding of trade compliance responsibilities and regulatory expectations.
• Manage licensing activities, classification considerations, and transaction reviews related to restricted destinations, sanctioned parties, and end-use requirements.
• Conduct or support internal compliance assessments and audits, documenting findings and helping implement corrective actions where needed.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in trade compliance, including leadership responsibility within compliance, logistics, supply chain, or import/export operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in building, managing, and improving trade compliance programs in a regulated business environment.
• Strong knowledge of customs procedures, export controls, licensing practices, sanctions requirements, and import/export documentation.
• Experience with commodity classification, license applications or exceptions, routed transactions, and drop shipment activity.
• Familiarity with trade compliance obligations relevant to aerospace, defense, or civil aircraft parts environments is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, influence stakeholders across functions, and make sound decisions in complex situations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel.
• Certification in trade compliance or equivalent specialized experience is preferred.