Intern - Contracts and Trade Compliance

Paychex Inc.; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

RENK America is seeking a Contracts & Trade Compliance Intern to map end-to-end workflows, improve processes, and support global compliance initiatives. You will partner with Legal, Business Development, Program Management, and Supply Chain to streamline approval processes and build standardized forms and tools.

The role emphasizes developing training content, updating ERP data like Country of Origin, and reducing risk through practical workflow improvements.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, International Business, Legal, or related field.
• 3.0+ GPA.
• Junior or Senior status.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication for cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and data-entry functions.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS, EAR and ITAR or willingness to learn.
• Experience creating process documentation, workflow diagrams, or SOPs.
• Self-starter able to work independently and take initiative in evolving tasks.

Responsibilities

• Map end-to-end Contract and Trade Compliance workflows and identify opportunities to streamline and automate.
• Partner with Legal, Business Dev, PM, and Supply Chain to design efficient approval processes.
• Create standardized forms and process aids to ensure complete information submission.
• Assist with ERP data improvements, including updating Country of Origin details.
• Update routing and archiving guides and visualize workflows for clarity.
• Review contract templates, benchmark against best practices, and suggest updates.
• Create onboarding training modules, negotiation guides, and global culture profiles.
• Support cross-functional projects to strengthen compliance and reduce risk.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Self-starter

Analytical mindset

Independent work

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Education

Pursuing Bachelor's degree in Management/Business/International Business/Legal or related field

GPA 3.0+

Junior or Senior status

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Data-entry

Job description

About the Organization RENK America is a leading supplier in the defense, marine and industry sector with superior mobility, propulsion and drive train solutions. Our tradition is centered on precision-engineered systems for maximum impact, efficiency and endurance. RENK's ambition is to support each and every one of its customers to exceed standards in harsh conditions and combat situations. RENK America employs over 500 employees at our US locations in Muskegon, Michigan, Cincinnati, Ohio, Camby, Indiana and Roseville, Michigan. RENK America is driven by this sense of pride and purpose in our country and our community.

Description

Essential Functions:

Ready to make an impact? As a Contracts & Trade Compliance Intern, you'll help transform how our teams work by mapping processes, improving workflows, designing smart tools, and supporting global compliance initiatives.

• Dive into real organizational process work by mapping end-to-end Contract and Trade Compliance workflows and identifying opportunities to streamline, automate, and improve how teams collaborate.
• Partner with teams across Legal, Business Development, Program Management and Supply Chain to uncover workflow challenges and help design smarter, more efficient approval processes.
• Build tools that make a difference by creating standardized forms and process aids that help teams submit complete, accurate information from the start.
• Contribute to Trade Compliance initiatives by assisting with ERP data improvements, including updating Country of Origin details across product lines.
• Help modernize Contracts operations by updating routing and archiving guides, capturing workflows visually, and ensuring processes are clear and easy to follow.
• Review contract templates with a critical eye, benchmarking against industry best practices and recommending updates that enhance clarity, consistency, and reduce organizational risk.
• Create practical, user-ready learning content such as onboarding training modules, negotiation strategy guides, standardized definitions, and global culture profiles that support international business engagement.
• Support research efforts and cross-functional projects that strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and improve efficiency across the Contracts & Trade Compliance Teams.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, International Business, Legal, or related field
• 3.0+ GPA
• Junior or Senior status
• Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, formatting).
  • Familiarity with ERP systems and confidence in navigating basic workflow or data-entry functions.
  • Familiarity with regulations such as FAR/DFARS, EAR and ITAR or willingness to learn.
  • Ability to research regulations, interpret guidance, and summarize key requirements clearly.
  • Experience creating process documentation, workflow diagrams, or standard operating procedures.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to identify process inefficiencies and propose solutions.
  • Interest or coursework in international business, compliance, supply chain, or contract administration.
  • Self-starter able to work independently and take initiative in ambiguous or evolving tasks.
  • Strong critical-thinking skills and the ability to translate stakeholder input into actionable recommendations.
  • Creative approach to problem-solving, especially when developing templates, tools, or training materials.

Position Requirements

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Management, Business Administration, International Business, Legal, Supply Chain Management or related field
• 3.0+ GPA

Full-Time/Part-Time Seasonal

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

EOE Statement RENK America is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. RENK America is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. RENK America maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.