Senior Trade Compliance Specialist

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.; Rio de Janeiro; Hybrid; BRL 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. seeks a Senior Trade Compliance Specialist to act as the regional expert for customs and international trade compliance across Latin America.

Hybrid work arrangement in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, conducting risk management, governance, and regulatory oversight to enable compliant cross-border operations. You will lead programs, partner with authorities and service providers, and drive operational excellence in tariff classification, origin rules, and

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management abilities.
• Experience in customs and international trade compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional trade compliance programs across Latin America.
• Develop regional policies, procedures, and internal controls for customs compliance.
• Manage AEO/OEA and other trusted trader programs, including audits and certifications.
• Serve as company representative with customs authorities and government agencies.
• Provide guidance on tariff classification, valuation, origin, and free trade agreements.
• Oversee trade compliance service providers to ensure quality operations.
• Conduct compliance reviews, risk assessments, and remediation activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Customs Administration, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Law, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Compliance management software

Job description

Senior Trade Compliance Specialist

Hybrid Working: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Full time:

Job Summary

Are you passionate about building compliant, secure, and efficient global trade operations across complex international markets?

Job Description

As a Senior Trade Compliance Specialist, you will serve as the regional expert for customs and international trade compliance across Latin America. In this role, you will lead trade compliance programs, customs governance activities, risk management initiatives, and trusted trader programs while partnering closely with business teams, customs authorities, and external service providers.

You will play a critical role in protecting the business, enabling cross-border trade, and driving operational excellence throughout the region.

This position ensures compliance with applicable customs, import, export, sanctions, valuation, classification, origin, and supply chain security regulations while supporting business growth through effective risk management and regulatory oversight.

Business Unit Global Business Services supports operational excellence through compliance, governance, and scalable business processes that help strengthen efficiency, resilience, and service delivery across the organization.

Team Description

You will join a collaborative and highly engaged Trade Compliance team dedicated to enabling compliant international trade operations while supporting business growth across the Americas.

The team partners with internal stakeholders, customs authorities, customs brokers, and logistics providers to promote regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and supply chain security.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of trade compliance programs throughout Latin America.
• Develop and maintain regional policies, procedures, and internal controls to support customs and international trade compliance.
• Manage Authorized Economic Operator (AEO/OEA) and other trusted trader programs, including certifications, validations, monitoring activities, and corrective action plans.
• Serve as a key company representative with customs authorities and government agencies, supporting audits, assessments, and regulatory inquiries.
• Provide technical guidance on tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, free trade agreements, import and export regulations, and special customs programs.
• Oversee customs brokers, freight forwarders, consultants, and compliance service providers to ensure high-quality and compliant operations.
• Conduct compliance reviews, risk assessments, audits, and remediation activities to strengthen governance and regulatory adherence.
• Support strategic projects involving compliance technology, process harmonization, automation and operational excellence initiatives.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Customs Administration, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Law, Logistics, or a related field.
• Significant experience in customs, international trade compliance, import/export operations, or trade governance roles within multinational organizations.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations, tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, sanctions compliance, and free trade agreements.
• Demonstrated experience managing trade compliance programs, internal controls, audits, and regulatory interactions.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies across Latin America.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management skills with the ability to manage complex compliance matters.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across multiple functions and countries.
• Professional proficiency in English and Spanish; Portuguese is highly valued.

How Would You Stand Out

• Experience leading AEO/OEA certification, recertification, validation, or supply chain security programs.
• Professional certifications related to customs, international trade, compliance, or supply chain security.
• Experience implementing trade compliance technologies, automation solutions, or regional process standardization initiatives.