Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance

Oil Authority; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Competitive pay

Retirement plans

Professional development

Inclusion programs

Job summary

ConocoPhillips seeks a Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance to lead the company’s import program and align it with export controls across the business.

You will drive governance, risk assessments, audits, and disclosures, collaborating with Legal, Supply Chain, Commercial, Tax, Security, and Finance.

The role requires a Juris Doctor, active U.S. bar license, 7+ years in import/export compliance, and a proven ability to balance legal risk with business goals.

Qualifications

• J.D. required and licensed to practice law in the U.S.
• Experience in import/export compliance and regulatory matters.
• Ability to develop and implement enterprise-wide compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead import compliance program and governance.
• Advise on CBP requirements, valuation, tariff classification, origin rules, and recordkeeping.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align import/export with business objectives.
• Oversee investigations, audits, and disclosures related to trade compliance.
• Drive technology modernization and integration across import/export activities.

Skills

Legal research

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active U.S. bar license

Tools

ERP systems

Trade compliance technologies

Customs automation platforms

Job description

Welcome to ConocoPhillips, where innovation and excellence create a platform for opportunity and growth. Come realize your full potential here.

Who We Are

We are one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, based on proved reserves and production of liquids and natural gas. With operations and activities in 13 countries, we explore for, develop, and produce crude oil and natural gas globally. We are challenged with an important job to safely find and deliver energy to the world. Our employees are critical to our success, and with them we power civilization.

We’re grounded by our SPIRIT Values – safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork. These values position us to deliver strong performance in a dynamic business – but not at all costs. We believe it’s not just what we do – it’s how we do it – that sets us apart.

Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment

To deliver superior performance, we create an environment that respects the contributions and differences of every individual. Wherever possible, we use these differences to drive competitive business advantage, personal growth and, ultimately, create business success.

Job Summary

The Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance, serves as the Company's senior legal advisor on import compliance and leads integration of global trade compliance matters. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously enhancing the Company's import compliance program while coordinating appropriate integration with the Company's established export compliance program.

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Global Compliance, the Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance will lead a small team of trade compliance professionals and provide strategic legal advice and practical business guidance regarding customs, supply chain, and international trade compliance.

The Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance will lead import program governance, regulatory engagement, risk assessments, audits, disclosures, compliance investigations, technology modernization initiatives, and integration across the Company's import and export compliance activities.

Working collaboratively across Legal, Supply Chain, Commercial, Tax, Security, Finance, and Business Unit leadership, this role will be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive trade compliance framework that enables business objectives, mitigates regulatory risk, and promotes a strong culture of compliance.

Position Overview

Key Responsibilities:

Import Compliance Program Leadership

• Serve as the legal and functional owner of the Company’s import compliance program.
• Maintain and enhance enterprise-wide import compliance policies, procedures, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Lead a network of Import Compliance Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) across Supply Chain, Commercial, and other business functions.
• Oversee record retention requirements and documentation management processes for import transactions.

Customs Compliance and Regulatory Matters

• Advise business stakeholders regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements, customs valuation, tariff classification, country-of-origin requirements, recordkeeping obligations, and related customs matters.
• Manage CTPAT Trade Compliance program and interactions with CBP and other governmental authorities.
• Coordinate and oversee responses to inquiries, audits, and other requests from governmental authorities.
• Lead investigations and remediation efforts arising from customs compliance issues.

Supply Chain and Commercial Support

• Provide legal and strategic guidance to Supply Chain and Commercial organizations regarding planned imports and cross-border transactions.
• Develop and implement import compliance contract clauses.
• Advise stakeholders on customs risks associated with sourcing, procurement, transportation, and commercial operations.
• Serve as the Company’s subject matter expert for special duty and tariff programs.
• Evaluate the impact of regulatory developments and advise leadership regarding potential business implications.

Export Compliance Program Integration Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain the Company’s export compliance program, including policies, procedures, governance structures, and controls.
• Ensure consistent governance and alignment between import and export compliance programs.
• Maintain customs broker and freight forwarder governance and oversight procedures.
• Identify and lead enhancements of technology solutions related to import and export compliance activities.

Required Qualifications

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 7 or more years of experience in import compliance, international trade, customs, export compliance, or related regulatory matters.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and enhancing compliance programs in a complex corporate environment.
• Expert level of knowledge of:
  • U.S. customs laws and regulations
  • Customs valuation and tariff classification
  • CBP enforcement processes
  • Import recordkeeping requirements
  • Trade compliance risk management
• Experience interacting directly with government agencies and external counsel.
• Strong leadership, project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to effectively balance legal risk management with business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Customs Broker, Certified Customs Specialist, Certified Export Specialist, or similar trade compliance designation.
• Knowledge of CTPAT requirements, customs audits, and government trade enforcement programs.
• Working knowledge of export control and sanctions regulations.
• Experience leading global trade compliance programs encompassing both import and export compliance.
• Experience managing and developing compliance professionals.
• Experience supporting multinational organizations with complex supply chain and global operations.
• Experience with ERP systems, customs automation platforms, and trade compliance technologies.
• Experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other third-party trade service providers.

Apply By:

Oct 6, 2026

Sponsorship:

ConocoPhillips’ sponsorship for employment authorization in the U.S. is NOT available for this position.

Benefits Overview

ConocoPhillips offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth:

• Taking Care of Your Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness programs.

• Supporting and Building Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual performance bonuses, and retirement savings plans.

• Promoting Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid parental leave, and family support resources.

• Offering Career Development: Access to training, mentoring, and internal career mobility tools.

• Guiding Recognition & Inclusion: Peer-nominated awards, inclusive culture, and employee resource groups.

Why ConocoPhillips

At ConocoPhillips, we believe our people power the future of energy. We’re committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow—professionally and personally.

We don’t just offer jobs—we offer meaningful careers in a company that values how we work as much as what we achieve.

EEO:

In the US, ConocoPhillips is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.