Trade Compliance Manager

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is seeking a Trade Compliance Manager for its Santa Ana, CA operations. You will oversee the U.S. export compliance program, support import/export processes, and minimize regulatory risk while aligning with global business goals.

You will collaborate across Sales, Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Finance and Group companies, manage classifications (ECCN/Schedule B), screening, and liaison with brokers. Strong communication required.

Qualifications

• Develop and maintain export/import compliance policies and procedures.
• Conduct restricted party screenings and classify commodities for export/import (ECCN/Schedule B).
• Coordinate international freight movements and work with freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Responsibilities

• Manage the U.S. Export Compliance Program to minimize regulatory risk.
• Collaborate with Sales, Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Finance, and Group companies.
• Oversee daily import/export operations and supervise Import/Export team.
• Coordinate with customs brokers and maintain documentation for audits.

Skills

Export controls

Import regulations

Policy development

ECCN/Schedule B classification

Vendor relations

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

SNAP-R

ACE

ERP systems

Job description

Company Overview

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases (the “Group”) is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. It is a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000+ employees worldwide, and is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as –420 °F, the boiling point of liquid hydrogen. For over 50 years it has specialized in centrifugal and reciprocating pumps, turbines for air separation, and a diversified product line covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

This position is based at Nikkiso ACD, LLC, located in Santa Ana, CA.

Job Overview

The Trade Compliance Manager will ensure Nikkiso ACD’s compliance with applicable U.S. export and import laws and regulations while supporting the Company’s international logistics operations. The role balances oversight of the Trade Compliance Program with day‑to‑day import/export operations to minimize regulatory risk and support business objectives and customer requirements.

The manager works collaboratively across multiple functional areas—including Sales, Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Finance, and with Nikkiso Group companies worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Manage the U.S. Export Compliance Program, establishing control points that meet compliance requirements while minimizing impact on business operations.
• Cooperate proactively with functional units to ensure all ACD exports remain fully compliant with U.S. export laws and regulations.
• Manage and maintain export classification information (ECCNs and Schedule B numbers) and submit commodity classification requests to the BIS as needed.
• Support the Company’s import compliance activities, including HTS classification, country of origin determinations, and coordination with customs brokers.
• Oversee daily import and export operations, ensuring timely movement of international shipments while maintaining compliance with trade regulations.
• Supervise the Import/Export team, providing direction, prioritization, training, and performance management.
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other logistics service providers.
• Review draft letters of credit to ensure acceptable terms and required documents for payment presentations.
• Ensure record‑keeping and reporting requirements are met and maintained for efficient audits.
• Develop and deliver trade compliance training on export controls, import requirements, and employee responsibilities.
• Serve as primary point of contact for trade compliance and international logistics questions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and inform ACD and the Group as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of U.S. export control laws and regulations, including EAR, ITAR, and OFAC.
• Working knowledge of U.S. import regulations and customs processes.
• Experience in:
• Developing and maintaining export compliance policies and procedures.
• Conducting restricted party screenings.
• Using SNAP‑R and ACE.
• Classifying commodities for export and import.
• Reviewing commercial letters of credit.
• Coordinating international freight movements.
• Managing relationships with freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Experience with the following is a plus:
• Export control regimes in the EU and Asia, including sanctions programs.
• Manufacturing environment.
• International transportation and logistics operations.
• Promotes and supports a culture of compliance and adherence to global trade laws and regulations.
• Excellent problem solving, strong analytical skills, and sound judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in export compliance, ideally with a manufacturing company.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position directly supervises the Import/Export team, overseeing employee coaching, work assignment, training, and performance management.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment and requires routine use of standard office equipment such as laptops, photocopiers, and smartphones.

Physical Demands

The employee will regularly need to talk and hear, with close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The role also requires lifting files, opening filing cabinets, and occasionally bending or standing on a stool.

Other Duties

Additional duties may change at any time with or without notice.

Pay Rate

$95,000 – $135,000

EEOC Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

Nikkiso CEIG is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.