Manager, Global Trade Compliance (Imports)

Job Summary

The Manager, Global Trade Compliance (Imports) leads and oversees global import compliance operations, ensuring adherence to U.S. and international customs regulations. This role is responsible for developing and scaling compliant, efficient, and technology-enabled import processes across all business units.

You will drive strategic initiatives including automation, risk mitigation, and cost optimization (e.g., FTAs, duty savings programs), while partnering cross-functionally with Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, and IT. This position exercises a high level of independent judgment and plays a key role in strengthening the company's global trade compliance framework.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global trade compliance team.
• Design and implement a scalable, enterprise-wide import compliance program supporting multiple business units (including commercial and defense).
• Partner with senior leadership to align trade compliance strategy with business objectives and global expansion plans.
• Act as a subject matter expert and advisor on import regulations, risk, and operational best practices.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and applicable international import laws.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve policies, procedures, and internal controls across all jurisdictions.
• Understanding import regulations and procedures for APAC region.
• Oversee import entry compliance, broker management, and audit readiness programs.
• Manage documentation, recordkeeping, and retention in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Identify compliance risks and lead remediation and corrective action initiatives.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee daily import operations, including classification (HTS), valuation, reconciliation, and country-of-origin determinations.
• Manage Free Trade Agreement (FTA) programs (e.g., USMCA) and other duty reduction initiatives.
• Manage FTZ ( Foreign Trade Zone) program.
• Lead duty drawback and cost recovery programs.
• Drive process optimization and standardization across global operations.
• Champion the adoption of automation tools and trade compliance technologies (e.g., SAP GTS, OCR EASE, or similar platforms).

Data, Analytics & Automation

• Leverage data analytics to monitor compliance performance, identify trends, and improve decision-making.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to assess compliance effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Identify and implement digital solutions to enhance accuracy, reduce manual work, and improve scalability.

Training & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and deliver training programs tailored to various business functions and regions.
• Provide ongoing guidance to cross-functional stakeholders on regulatory changes and compliance requirements.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams (Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, Finance) and external partners (brokers, consultants).

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, or related field.
• 5-8+ years of experience in global trade compliance, with a strong focus on imports.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. customs regulations (CBP), HTS classification, valuation, and import processes.
• Experience managing customs brokers and global import operations.
• Hands-on experience with trade compliance systems (e.g., SAP, OCR EASE, SAP GTS, or similar).
• Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing teams.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• CTPAT/ AEO program knowledge.
• Incoterms knowledge

Preferred

• Experience in multinational or highly regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense, manufacturing).
• Knowledge of international trade programs (e.g., FTAs, duty drawback, special trade programs).
• Experience with compliance audits and government agency interactions.
• Familiarity with export regulations (EAR/ITAR) is a plus.
• Certification such as Licensed Customs Broker (LCB), Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or similar is highly desirable.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and risk management
• Regulatory expertise and compliance governance
• Digital/technology mindset and process automation
• Data-driven decision-making
• Cross-functional leadership and influence

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs, regulatory changes, and organizational priorities.

Cubic Pay Range:

*Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from our lowest geographic market up to our highest geographic market.

The Cubic pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under applicable law.