Trade Compliance Director

Larson Maddox; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Larson Maddox is seeking a talented leader to head its trade compliance function, ensuring adherence to U.S. and international import/export rules supporting defense and advanced manufacturing.

You will advise executives and multiple teams on EAR, ITAR, OFAC and licensing, build programs, and lead audits. This role requires strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a proven track record of mitigating regulatory risk.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of trade compliance experience in manufacturing or regulated sectors.
• Expertise in import/export compliance, licensing, and global trade operations.
• Strong knowledge of EAR, ITAR, OFAC and related U.S. regulations.
• Experience advising senior leadership on complex compliance and business issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead global trade compliance programs for imports, exports, and technical data transfers.
• Develop, implement, and improve trade compliance policies, controls, and training.
• Oversee product jurisdiction, licensing, and compliance reviews for defense programs.
• Partner with legal, engineering, supply chain, and contracts to enable compliant growth.
• Conduct internal audits, investigations, and regulatory examinations as needed.
• Manage relationships with government agencies, outside counsel, brokers, and service providers.
• Foster a culture of integrity and regulatory excellence.

Skills

Trade compliance leadership

Import/export compliance

EAR ITAR OFAC knowledge

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory risk management

Policy development

Training and coaching

Job description

This organization is seeking a talented individual to lead their trade compliance function, ensuring adherence to U.S. and international import/export regulations supporting defense and advanced manufacturing operations. Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, multiple business units, supply chain, engineering, and program management teams on complex trade compliance matters, with particular focus on EAR, ITAR, sanctions, customs, and export licensing requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct global trade compliance programs governing imports, exports, and technical data transfers across multiple international business operations.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve trade compliance policies, procedures, controls, and training programs to mitigate regulatory and operational risk.
• Oversee product jurisdiction, export classification, licensing, agreements, and compliance reviews to support domestic and international defense programs.
• Provide subject matter expertise on U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), OFAC sanctions, customs regulations, and other global trade requirements.
• Partner with legal, government affairs, engineering, supply chain, and contracts to facilitate compliant global business growth and customer engagement.
• Lead internal audits, compliance assessments, investigations, and corrective action initiatives while preparing for and managing regulatory examinations and disclosures as necessary.
• Manage relationships with government agencies, outside counsel, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trade compliance service providers.
• Support a high-performing compliance team while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and regulatory excellence throughout the company.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of trade compliance experience within manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.
• Expertise in import/export compliance, export controls, licensing, customs regulations, and global trade operations.
• Strong working knowledge of EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions, and related U.S. government regulations.
• Experience advising senior leadership on complex compliance, operational, and business issues.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage compliance programs across global organizations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, risk management, and problem-solving skills.