Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Trade Compliance Manager

🎯 Role Definition

The Trade Compliance Manager is the organization's subject matter expert and strategic leader for all matters concerning international trade regulations. This role is fundamentally responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a robust trade compliance program that ensures all import and export activities are conducted legally and efficiently. Serving as a crucial link between legal, supply chain, finance, and engineering, the Trade Compliance Manager protects the company from significant financial penalties and supply chain disruptions by navigating the intricate landscape of customs laws, export controls, and international trade agreements. This position is not merely about adherence to rules but about creating a competitive advantage through strategic and compliant trade operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Trade Compliance Analyst or Specialist
Senior Customs Broker or Entry Writer
Logistics Manager with a heavy compliance focus

Advancement To:

Director of Global Trade Compliance
Senior Manager, Global Trade & Customs
Vice President of Supply Chain or Logistics

Lateral Moves:

Supply Chain Risk Manager
Director of Logistics
Senior Sourcing or Procurement Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and maintain the corporate-wide global trade compliance program, including drafting and updating policies, procedures, and work instructions to ensure adherence to all applicable laws.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all government inquiries, audits, and investigations related to customs, import, and export matters, managing responses and any necessary corrective actions.
Oversee the accurate and timely classification of all imported and exported products with Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs), and country of origin determinations.
Manage and direct the activities of customs brokers and freight forwarders, establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting periodic business reviews, and ensuring high levels of service and compliance.
Proactively identify, analyze, and implement opportunities for duty savings and cost avoidance through programs like Free Trade Agreements (e.g., USMCA), duty drawback, and tariff engineering.
Conduct regular risk assessments and internal audits of the company's import and export operations to identify potential compliance gaps and implement remediation plans.
Lead the application process for necessary export licenses, import permits, and other government authorizations, and ensure all conditions and reporting requirements are met post-approval.
Develop and deliver comprehensive trade compliance training programs for internal stakeholders across various departments, including supply chain, sales, engineering, and finance, to foster a culture of compliance.
Manage the company's denied party and sanctioned party screening program and processes, ensuring that no transactions are conducted with restricted entities.
Provide strategic guidance to business leaders and new product development teams on the trade compliance implications of new products, sourcing strategies, and entry into new international markets.
Stay abreast of and interpret evolving global trade regulations, including changes to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions.
Oversee the company's record-keeping program for all import and export documentation, ensuring records are maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements for auditability.
Manage customs valuation methodologies and assist the finance team with transfer pricing issues as they relate to the value declared to customs authorities.
Lead and resolve complex trade compliance issues, such as customs detentions, seizures, and penalty notices, by working directly with legal counsel and government agencies.
Drive the automation and continuous improvement of trade compliance processes through the implementation and management of Global Trade Management (GTM) software and other technology solutions.
Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure that incoterms used in purchasing and sales contracts are appropriate and clearly define risk and responsibility.
Support the legal department in M&A due diligence activities by assessing the trade compliance posture and potential risks of target companies.
Prepare and present regular reports and metrics on the status of the trade compliance program, key risks, and performance against objectives to senior management.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with customs officials and other relevant government agency representatives.
Function as the company’s designated "empowered official" for export control matters, where required, bearing responsibility for the compliance of the export program.

Secondary Functions

Serve as a subject matter expert on trade compliance matters during cross-functional projects, such as new market entries or new product introductions.
Represent the company's interests by participating in relevant industry associations, trade groups, and government-sponsored seminars.
Assist the legal and finance departments in reviewing contracts and agreements to ensure trade compliance clauses are adequate and protective of the company's interests.
Support ad-hoc analysis and reporting requests from senior leadership related to trade data, duties paid, and compliance risk exposure.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expertise in Classification: Deep, hands-on experience in determining HTS, Schedule B, and ECCN classifications for a diverse range of products.
Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth, practical knowledge of U.S. import regulations (19 CFR), export regulations (EAR & ITAR), and OFAC sanctions programs.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Proficiency: Proven ability to qualify goods under various FTAs (e.g., USMCA, KORUS) and manage the associated documentation and certification processes.
Customs Valuation: Solid understanding of customs valuation principles and methodologies (e.g., transaction value, computed value) and their practical application.
Licensed Customs Broker (LCB): U.S. Customs Broker License is highly preferred and often a key requirement.
Global Trade Management (GTM) Software: Proficiency with GTM systems such as SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, E2open, or similar platforms for managing compliance functions.
Audit & Investigation Management: Experience leading internal compliance audits and managing responses to official inquiries from government agencies like CBP, BIS, and DDTC.

Soft Skills

Analytical & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex regulatory texts and ambiguous situations, identify core issues, and develop practical, business-oriented solutions.
Communication & Influence: Exceptional ability to articulate complex compliance concepts clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, from engineers to senior executives, and to influence decision-making.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough approach to classification, documentation, and record-keeping, recognizing that small errors can have significant consequences.
Stakeholder Management: A collaborative mindset with the proven ability to build strong relationships and work effectively across different functions, cultures, and levels of the organization.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, from policy implementation to audit responses, and drive them to completion.
Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead a team (directly or indirectly) and mentor junior compliance professionals, fostering professional growth and a culture of accountability.
Business Acumen: A keen understanding of how trade compliance impacts broader business objectives, including supply chain efficiency, cost management, and market access.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year university.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree (e.g., MBA, International Business) or Juris Doctor (J.D.).
U.S. Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) certification is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

International Business or Trade
Supply Chain Management
Law
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

7-10 years of progressive experience within the global trade compliance field, with a demonstrable track record of handling complex import/export matters.

Preferred:

At least 3+ years of experience in a people management or program leadership capacity within a corporate trade compliance department.
Experience building or significantly maturing a trade compliance program within a multinational corporation, particularly in the manufacturing, technology, or retail sectors.