Job Purpose
The Manager, Trade Compliance is responsible for strategically designing, leading, and executing VulcanForms’ global trade compliance program. In this role, you will oversee import/export activities across all locations and global supplier networks to ensure strict adherence to U.S. and international trade regulations (including ITAR, EAR, and Customs requirements). Partnering closely with Executive Leadership, Supply Chain, Procurement, Legal, Engineering, and Operations, you will drive tariff mitigation strategies, manage external customs brokers and legal counsel, establish trade governance frameworks, and build a scalable compliance architecture to support high-growth advanced manufacturing.
Key Accountabilities:
- Establish, implement, and maintain VulcanForms’ global trade compliance governance, risk management frameworks, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Act as the primary subject-matter expert on U.S. export control laws (ITAR and EAR), export licensing, denied party screening, jurisdiction and classification determinations (ECCN/USML), and technology transfer controls.
- Lead global import compliance operations, including HTS/HS classification, Country of Origin (COO) determinations, valuation, Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, and management of external customs brokers and freight forwarders.
- Partner with Sourcing, Procurement, and Supply Chain leadership to assess cross-border financial impacts, drive tariff mitigation initiatives (e.g., Section 232/301, Duty Drawback, Free Trade Agreements/USMCA), and optimize total landed cost.
- Lead internal and external trade audits, self-assessments, and risk reviews. Identify compliance gaps, establish corrective action plans, and manage regulatory filings or disclosures as necessary.
- Drive the implementation, optimization, and data governance of automated trade compliance tools and ERP integration (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or specialized trade software).
- Develop and deliver mandatory trade compliance training programs across the organization (Engineering, Sales, People Ops, Supply Chain) to cultivate a strong culture of compliance.
Qualifications:
- 8+ years of progressive experience in trade compliance, import/export operations, or international trade management, with at least 2+ years in a leadership, management, or program-lead capacity.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, International Trade, Pre-Law, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience in complex industrial environments).
- Advanced working knowledge of U.S. export regulations (ITAR, EAR, OFAC), Customs regulations (19 CFR), HTS classification, and international trade frameworks.
- Proven experience managing third-party logistics (3PL) providers, customs brokers, and external legal/compliance consultants.
- Advanced analytical skills using data visualization, ERP tools, and complex data sets to analyze tariff impacts and compliance metrics.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal/regulatory requirements for executive stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) credential strongly preferred.
- Direct experience supporting trade compliance within advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or hardware technology environments.
- Hands-on experience developing and submitting ITAR export licenses, agreements (TAAs/MLAs), and commodity jurisdiction (CJ) requests.
- Proven track record of building or significantly scaling a trade compliance function from early-stage to high-volume operational scale.
- Experience with specialized Global Trade Management (GTM) software (e.g., SAP GTS, Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE, Integration Point, Amber Road).
VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.
The annual base salary range for this position is $123,500-$169,800.