Manager, Trade Compliance (MENA)

iHerb, LLC; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading eCommerce firm is looking for a Manager of Trade Compliance to lead regulatory compliance across the MENA region. This role involves managing product clearance, collaborating with government regulators, and providing training to internal teams. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of regulatory experience, particularly in MENA markets, and is knowledgeable in customs requirements. Candidates must possess strong negotiation skills and fluency in both English and Arabic is preferred. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Health and wellness programs

Flexible work options

Qualifications

• Expertise in MENA regulatory frameworks and customs requirements.
• Experience in the retail industry preferred but not mandatory.
• 8+ years of experience with relevant regulatory policies and laws globally.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the product clearance process in the MENA region.
• Review product formulations for compliance with local regulations.
• Collaborate with local government regulators for product registration.
• Manage customs broker performance and logistics compliance.
• Develop trade compliance policies tailored to MENA.
• Conduct training on compliance for internal teams.
• Drive improvements in trade compliance processes.

Skills

Compliance knowledge

Regulatory review

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Commercial understanding

Fluent English

Proficiency in Arabic

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent compliance experience

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly specialized Manager of Trade Compliance to lead our import and regulatory compliance efforts for iHerb across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This newly created role is vital to ensuring seamless market access, managing regulatory risk, and maintaining the highest standards of compliance within this complex and rapidly evolving market.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in MENA regulatory frameworks, customs requirements, and the specific ingredient and labeling restrictions for the supplements and cosmetics industries.

Job Expectations

Regulatory Compliance & Market Access

• Product Clearance: Oversee and manage the end‑to‑end process of obtaining necessary governmental approvals and permits to ensure our supplements and cosmetic products are legally allowed into various countries within the MENA region.
• Prohibited Ingredient Review: Act as the subject matter expert on prohibited and restricted ingredients in MENA markets, systematically reviewing all product formulations against local regulations (e.g., GCC standardization).
• Government Relations: Collaborate directly with local government regulators, Ministries of Health, customs authorities, and standards organizations (e.g., SFDA, ESMA) to facilitate product registration, resolve clearance issues, and stay informed of regulatory changes.
• Labeling and Documentation: Ensure all required import and registration documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with local standards, including specific labeling requirements.

Customs & Classification

• HTS Classification: Assign, audit, and correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications for all imported products, ensuring accuracy to minimize customs delays and duty exposure.
• Customs Broker Management: Oversee the performance of local customs brokers and logistics partners, providing them with necessary compliance information and managing import declarations.
• Duty & Tax Management: Advise on customs valuation, Incoterms, and duty mitigation strategies in compliance with local regulations.
• Risk Management: Develop and implement proactive trade compliance policies and procedures tailored to the supplements and cosmetics categories in the MENA context.
• Internal Training: Conduct regular training for internal teams (e.g., Supply Chain, Marketing, Legal) on compliance requirements, classification, and regulatory updates.
• Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in trade compliance processes to increase efficiency and reduce lead times for product launches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Solid knowledge and experience in compliance, tariff classification, regulatory review, and product compliance.
• Ability to manage complex issues and develop practical solutions while maintaining discretion and protecting confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build trustworthy relationships with colleagues and business partners while maintaining a high degree of independence and professional standing.
• Strong negotiation skills with a solid understanding of commercial processes.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply complex, often varying, regulations from MENA governmental bodies (e.g., health ministries, standards organizations). Fluent written and verbal English.
• Understanding of compliance best practices and typical risk/red‑flag issues and practices.
• Knowledge of and experience advising on regulations, tariff schedules, sanctions, and other compliance‑related laws and regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is highly preferred.

Experience Requirements

• At least 8+ years of experience working with relevant regulatory policies and laws globally.
• Working experience in the retail industry is preferred, but not mandatory.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent compliance experience.

Office / Warehouse environment

Staffing Agency Submission Notice

iHerb does not accept unsolicited third‑party agency candidates. If you are an agency, please submit through our Vendor Management System to [e-mail]. Do not contact iHerb employees directly. Any agency candidates will be presented through the internal recruiting organization.

About iHerb

iHerb is on a mission to make health and wellness accessible to all. We offer Earth’s best‑curated selection of health and wellness products at the best possible value, delivered with the most convenient experience.

We’re the world’s largest eCommerce platform dedicated to vitamins, minerals, and supplements, and other health and wellness products. For more than 25 years, we’ve been making it simple for people all over the world to purchase the highest quality products. From supplements to skincare to grocery items, we ship over 50,000 products, from over 1,800 brands direct to our customers in 180+ countries.

Our vision is to become the #1 destination for health and wellness across the world.

With a passion for wellness and a mind for innovative solutions, iHerb team members share a vision for a healthier world that drives them each day. Our five shared values unite our global team:

Focus on the Customer · Empower Our People · Be Entrepreneurial & Pivot Quickly · Embrace Diversity & Inclusion · Strive for Simplicity

iHerb Benefits

At iHerb, we are dedicated to offering programs designed to help our employees and their families stay healthy, live well, and plan for their financial future. Built on a strong foundation, our programs provide options and upgrades with flexibility, protection, and security in mind. For the comprehensive benefits list, visit www.iHerbBenefits.com. For our international team members, you may be eligible for benefits depending on the country where you are employed. The Talent Acquisition Partner or local HR representative will review the benefits you are eligible for.

iHerb is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. iHerb provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment.