International Trade Compliance Manager

Staffmark; Oakbrook Terrace (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffmark is seeking an International Trade Compliance Manager to lead import/export compliance across a complex international supply chain. The role partners with internal teams, suppliers, customs brokers, and government agencies to ensure adherence to U.S.

and international trade regulations. You will own and evolve the trade compliance function, guide a small team, and influence processes as the organization expands internationally.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in international trade compliance or related field.
• 2+ years in leadership or people management.
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) required.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day import/export compliance operations, liaising with internal teams, suppliers, brokers, and government agencies.
• Provide oversight on customs classification, trade documentation, product data, and import/export requirements.
• Manage and develop a small team of trade compliance professionals.
• Oversee export documentation and electronic export filings.
• Resolve import compliance issues to ensure compliant shipments.

Skills

Import compliance

Export compliance

Team leadership

Customs regulations

CTPAT programs

ISA programs

Licensed Customs Broker

Stakeholder influence

Regulatory guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

A well-established, global organization is seeking an International Trade Compliance Manager to lead import/export compliance activities across a complex international supply chain. This is a highly visible role responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations while partnering with internal teams, suppliers, customs brokers, government agencies, and international business partners.

The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of a broad trade compliance function while providing leadership to a small team and helping shape compliance processes as the organization continues to expand internationally.

What You’ll Do

• Lead day-to-day import and export compliance operations, serving as a key liaison between internal teams, suppliers, customs brokers, and government agencies.
• Provide oversight and guidance related to customs classification, trade documentation, product data, and import/export requirements.
• Manage and develop a small team of trade compliance professionals.
• Oversee export documentation and electronic export filings.
• Resolve import compliance issues and help ensure shipments move efficiently and in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Educate suppliers and internal stakeholders regarding trade data, customs requirements, and government regulations.
• Partner with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other government agencies on compliance matters, including requests for information, binding rulings, audits, and regulatory guidance.
• Maintain and continuously improve trade compliance policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on CTPAT and ISA programs, including audits, vendor compliance, and ongoing program requirements.
• Partner with legal counsel and cross-functional leadership on trade compliance projects, regulatory questions, and risk mitigation.
• Provide strategic guidance on international import/export requirements across multiple countries and regions.
• Support product and category compliance initiatives, including requirements related to highly regulated products and international shipping.
• Establish processes and controls to ensure trade compliance documentation is properly collected, maintained, accessible, and retained.
• Identify opportunities to improve import/export processes, reduce risk, and increase efficiency across the international supply chain.

What We’re Looking For

• Deep understanding of U.S. import operations and compliance requirements is critical, including customs regulations, classification, documentation, broker management, and import processes.
• 7+ years of experience in international trade compliance, logistics, customs brokerage, import/export operations, or a closely related field.
• 2+ years of leadership or people-management experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Harmonized Tariff Classification, customs documentation, and international trade regulations.
• Demonstrated experience working with CTPAT and ISA programs.
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) required.
• Experience working with international suppliers, customs brokers, government agencies, and cross-functional internal teams.
• Strong understanding of country-specific import/export requirements and the ability to translate regulations into practical business processes.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and lead initiatives across a complex, international organization.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• International or multicultural business experience strongly preferred.
• Spanish or Mandarin language skills are a plus.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.