Global Export Compliance Leader

About us:  At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world.  Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial companies to design, manufacture and service some of the world’s most transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, diagnostic instruments, healthcare imaging equipment, mission critical aerospace systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision. 

When we invest in our people, we invest in building a better world. 

With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. It is our values that unite us and guide us in everything that we do, including how we operate, behave and interact to foster a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.  

Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success. 

As a team member, you will engage in impactful work through global collaboration and the use of emerging technologies, join an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and working toward a greater purpose, and be empowered to reach your full potential through various development programs designed to accelerate your growth. 

Plexus offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members' wellbeing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and opportunities for professional development. We also prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of perks to enhance the team member experience.  For more information, visit our US benefits website at usbenefits.plexus.com. Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. The annual compensation range for this position is stated below. The salary offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level. Salary Range:

Purpose Statement:  The Global Export Compliance Leader reports to the Global Trade Governance & Transformation Leader and serves as a primary subject authority and strategic partner for Plexus' global export control and compliance program. Operating across an expanding footprint in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, commercial aerospace, defense, and space systems, this role bridges complex regulatory governance with business enablement. This position is designed for a collaborative, high-potential trade professional with strong communication skills and strategic upside. You will resolve complex multi-jurisdictional issues, advise business leaders, enable regional operational teams, and help shape an enterprise-wide compliance framework supporting global growth.

Key Job Accountabilities:

• Serve as a key global escalation authority and clear communicator, partnering with Legal, Customer Management, IT, and executive leadership to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, business-enabling strategies and plain-English actionable advice across the organization.
• Oversee complex multi-jurisdictional export licensing and regulatory strategies, including Technology Control Plans (TCPs), proviso management, commodity jurisdictions, and ECCN classifications across US EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions, and dual-use regimes.
• Provide strategic guidance on deemed export controls and technical data governance, building clear frameworks for controlled technical data sharing with global suppliers and supporting foreign visitor protocols across company facilities.
• Drive regional enablement and governance enhancements, partnering with regional trade leaders to equip local operational teams with the tools, training, and playbooks needed to execute routine trade activities independently.
• Support global risk oversight and continuous improvement, participating in internal audits, risk assessments, compliance reviews, and technology-enabled process improvements across the function.
• Mentor developing team members and actively participate in functional succession planning to build long-term organizational capability.

Education/Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent professional experience) required; a focus on legal research, regulatory interpretation, or international trade is preferred.
• A minimum of 6–8+ years of progressive experience in global export compliance, trade controls, or regulatory affairs within advanced manufacturing, technology, aerospace, or defense sectors is required.

Other Qualifications:

• Collaborative Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to build strong, practical partnerships across matrixed teams, supporting regional operational leaders without needing direct positional authority.
• Problem Solving in Ambiguity: An intellectually curious problem solver who thrives in fast-paced environments where answers aren't always immediate, balancing regulatory compliance with real-world business needs.
• Empowered Official (EO) Capability: Demonstrated eligibility, capability, or prior experience serving as an Empowered Official (EO).
• Regulatory Expertise: Deep practical knowledge of EAR/ITAR licensing, sanctions regimes, and controlled technical data frameworks.
• Certifications & Systems: Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CUSECO or Licensed Customs Broker) and experience with Global Trade Management (GTM) tools or process improvement initiatives are preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Professional office or remote home-office environment with suitable lighting, comfortable temperatures, and low noise level. May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, using a computer, and other office equipment. Minimal physical activity is generally involved.

Travel Requirements:

• Less than Less than 40% (periodic team alignment and site visits).

This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform.

We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special requirements.  If you need an application accommodation, please contact us by email at

GHQ.TA@plexus.com?subject=Application%20Accommodation%20Request

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and/or background check.