Manager, Trade Compliance (MENA)

iHerb; Remote; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online retailer in UAE is looking for an experienced Manager of Trade Compliance. The ideal candidate will oversee import compliance for the MENA region, ensuring products meet regulatory standards. This role requires profound knowledge of customs regulations, collaboration with government bodies, and the ability to manage product compliance strategies. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of related experience. Proficiency in English is required; Arabic skills are a plus. This position offers a professional and dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience with regulatory policies globally.
• Working experience in retail preferred.
• Fluent in written and verbal English; Arabic preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end import and regulatory compliance processes.
• Act as subject matter expert on prohibited ingredients.
• Collaborate with local government regulators.
• Ensure accurate and compliant documentation.
• Develop trade compliance policies and procedures.
• Conduct training on compliance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in compliance processes.

Skills

Regulatory compliance expertise

Customs classification knowledge

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to interpret regulations

Communication skills in English

Knowledge of compliance best practices

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 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.

Strategy & Training:

• 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 experiences in compliance, tariff classification, regulatory review, 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, yet maintain a high degree of independence, professional standing and confidentiality.
• 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 language.
• Understanding of compliance best practices and typical risk/red flag issues and practices.
• Knowledge of and experience advising on regulations, tariff schedule, sanctions, and other compliance‑related laws and regulations.
• Communication, 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.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced with multi‑level responsibilities.
• Professional, yet casual work environment.
• Office / Warehouse environment.

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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.