Global Trade Compliance Director
Location: Florham Park, NJ, relocation candidates will be considered
Work Model: Hybrid – 4 days onsite / 1 day remote
Compensation: $150,000–$180,000 base salary + bonus
Travel: Approximately 10%
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Global Trade Compliance Director to lead international trade compliance strategy across a global Fluid & Motion Control organization.
This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for a trade compliance professional who can balance regulatory requirements, business objectives, risk management, and cost optimization . You will oversee the Americas trade compliance function while partnering closely with trade compliance leaders across Europe and Asia to drive consistent global standards and best practices.
The ideal candidate is someone who can operate strategically while remaining close to the details—someone who understands complex international trade regulations, can navigate ambiguity, and can translate regulatory requirements into practical solutions that support the business.
What You'll Do
- Lead the overall International Trade Compliance (ITC) function for the organization, with direct responsibility for the Americas trade compliance team and program.
- Develop and execute global trade compliance strategies that support ethical business growth, mitigate regulatory risk, and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
- Lead and develop a global team of trade compliance professionals, including 2 direct reports , while supporting their professional development and project execution.
- Partner with regional trade compliance leaders across the Americas, Europe, and Asia to establish consistent global practices, standards, and controls.
- Oversee site-level compliance programs, including self-assessments, program verification, improvement plans, and ongoing maintenance.
- Ensure locations have appropriate operational procedures, training, auditing, and controls in place to meet trade compliance requirements.
- Oversee import, export, customs, and supply chain security compliance , including classification, valuation, country of origin, free trade agreements, and CTPAT/AEO-related controls.
- Monitor changes in international trade regulations and assess their potential impact on the business.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex trade compliance matters and potential regulatory violations.
- Lead or support investigations into suspected compliance issues, including disclosures and development of appropriate corrective/remedial measures.
- Partner with Legal, Finance, HR, Internal Audit, Sales, Supply Chain, and other functional leaders to resolve complex compliance matters.
- Serve as a key interface with government agencies and regulatory authorities, including BIS, OFAC, CBP, and the U.S. Department of State , as appropriate.
- Support regulatory audits, inquiries, and enforcement matters in coordination with Legal and Corporate Regulatory Compliance teams.
- Evaluate global trade flows and identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce duties and customs costs, and increase operational efficiency while maintaining compliance.
- Lead strategic trade compliance projects and initiatives across the organization.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a strategic, commercially minded compliance leader who can make sound decisions in complex and sometimes ambiguous situations.
The successful candidate will:
- Communicate complex regulatory requirements clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Exercise sound judgment when dealing with high-risk or ambiguous compliance situations.
- Think globally and understand how trade decisions in one region can affect operations across multiple countries.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Balance strict regulatory compliance with practical business considerations.
- Take ownership of problems and proactively identify solutions rather than simply reacting to compliance issues.
- Create structure and clarity when working through complex or ambiguous global trade situations.
- Demonstrate strong critical-thinking and analytical skills.
- Effectively lead, mentor, and develop trade compliance professionals.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
- Significant experience in international trade compliance within a multinational organization .
- Experience leading or managing a trade compliance organization, function, or program.
- Strong understanding of international trade regulations and compliance requirements.
- Working knowledge of OFAC, BIS, Department of State, U.S. Customs, and Mexico Customs regulations .
- Strong understanding of maquiladora operations and free trade agreements, particularly USMCA .
- Experience with import/export compliance, customs, classification, country of origin, valuation, and related trade requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret changing trade regulations and translate them into practical business solutions.
- Ability to make and defend sound decisions in situations where information may be incomplete or ambiguous.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, approximately 10% .
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading people, mentoring, coaching, programs, or large-scale projects.
- U.S. Customs Broker License.
- Experience with trade or ERP systems such as JDE, Oracle, E2Open, or TradeSphere Exporter .
- Knowledge of product environmental regulations, including REACH, RoHS, and IEC standards .
- Knowledge of anti-corruption standards and due diligence processes.
- Multilingual capabilities, particularly Spanish .
- Experience working with global teams across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
- Experience identifying opportunities to optimize duties, tariffs, customs costs, and global trade processes.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a global organization while working at the intersection of trade compliance, operations, finance, legal, and supply chain .
You'll have the autonomy to influence global trade strategy, advise senior leadership, develop a high-performing team, and identify opportunities that both protect the organization and improve its overall cost and operational performance.
The position also provides significant exposure to global trade operations and the opportunity to collaborate with regional leaders across multiple international markets.
Compensation & Work Environment
- $150,000–$180,000 base salary
- Bonus eligible
- Hybrid work model: 4 days onsite / 1 day remote
- Based in Florham Park, New Jersey
- Approximately 10% domestic and international travel
- Relocation candidates will be considered
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Sponsorship is not available for this position.