Global Export Compliance Leader

Plexus Corp.; Neenah (WI); On-site; USD 98,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Plexus Corp. in Neenah, WI is seeking a Global Export Compliance Leader to oversee our global export control and compliance program across semiconductor manufacturing equipment, aerospace, defense, and space systems.

This role partners with Legal, Customer Management, IT, and executive leadership to translate complex regulations into practical, business-enabling strategies. You will mentor developing team members, drive governance enhancements, and shape an enterprise-wide framework supporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in trade/regulatory fields.
• 6–8+ years in global export compliance or regulatory affairs.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or defense sectors.
• Ability to lead across matrixed teams and drive compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as global escalation authority and translate regulatory requirements into actionable guidance.
• Oversee export licensing and regulatory strategies across EAR, ITAR, OFAC.
• Guide deemed export controls and data governance with global suppliers.
• Drive regional enablement with tools, training, and playbooks.
• Support risk oversight with audits and process improvements.
• Mentor team members and participate in succession planning.

Skills

Collaborative leadership

Problem solving

EO capability

Regulatory expertise

Certifications & GTM

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

GTM tools

Job description

Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. The annual compensation range for this position is stated below. The salary offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level. Salary Range:

$97,900.00 - $146,900.00

Purpose Statement:

The Global Export Compliance Leader reports to the Global Trade Governance & Transformation Leader and serves as a primary subject authority and strategic partner for Plexus' global export control and compliance program. Operating across an expanding footprint in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, commercial aerospace, defense, and space systems, this role bridges complex regulatory governance with business enablement. This position is designed for a collaborative, high-potential trade professional with strong communication skills and strategic upside. You will resolve complex multi-jurisdictional issues, advise business leaders, enable regional operational teams, and help shape an enterprise-wide compliance framework supporting global growth.

Key Job Accountabilities:

• Serve as a key global escalation authority and clear communicator, partnering with Legal, Customer Management, IT, and executive leadership to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, business-enabling strategies and plain-English actionable advice across the organization.
• Oversee complex multi-jurisdictional export licensing and regulatory strategies, including Technology Control Plans (TCPs), proviso management, commodity jurisdictions, and ECCN classifications across US EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions, and dual-use regimes.
• Provide strategic guidance on deemed export controls and technical data governance, building clear frameworks for controlled technical data sharing with global suppliers and supporting foreign visitor protocols across company facilities.
• Drive regional enablement and governance enhancements, partnering with regional trade leaders to equip local operational teams with the tools, training, and playbooks needed to execute routine trade activities independently.
• Support global risk oversight and continuous improvement, participating in internal audits, risk assessments, compliance reviews, and technology-enabled process improvements across the function.
• Mentor developing team members and actively participate in functional succession planning to build long-term organizational capability.

Education/Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent professional experience) required; a focus on legal research, regulatory interpretation, or international trade is preferred.
• A minimum of 6–8+ years of progressive experience in global export compliance, trade controls, or regulatory affairs within advanced manufacturing, technology, aerospace, or defense sectors is required.

Other Qualifications:

• Collaborative Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to build strong, practical partnerships across matrixed teams, supporting regional operational leaders without needing direct positional authority.
• Problem Solving in Ambiguity: An intellectually curious problem solver who thrives in fast-paced environments where answers aren't always immediate, balancing regulatory compliance with real-world business needs.
• Empowered Official (EO) Capability: Demonstrated eligibility, capability, or prior experience serving as an Empowered Official (EO).
• Regulatory Expertise: Deep practical knowledge of EAR/ITAR licensing, sanctions regimes, and controlled technical data frameworks.
• Certifications & Systems: Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CUSECO or Licensed Customs Broker) and experience with Global Trade Management (GTM) tools or process improvement initiatives are preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Professional office or remote home-office environment with suitable lighting, comfortable temperatures, and low noise level. May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, using a computer, and other office equipment. Minimal physical activity is generally involved.

Travel Requirements:

• Less than Less than 40% (periodic team alignment and site visits).

This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform.