Trade Compliance Program Manager - [BU] US & Canada

Nidec; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Trade Compliance Program Manager at Nidec is a senior professional responsible for designing, executing, and improving global trade compliance programs to mitigate risk and enable compliant operations.

You will partner with Supply Chain, Logistics, Legal, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance to embed compliance within business processes, provide guidance to analysts, and lead or support audits and investigations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in international business, supply chain, law, compliance, or related field.
• Typically 5–8 years of progressive experience in trade compliance.
• Professional certifications in customs or trade compliance preferred.
• Strong documentation, audit, and control design capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain trade compliance programs covering import, export, and sanctions.
• Establish policies, procedures, and controls aligned with regulations and internal standards.
• Ensure consistent execution of trade compliance requirements across business units and regions.
• Interpret global trade regulations and translate them into operational guidance.
• Advise stakeholders on compliance considerations for transactions, shipments, and business decisions.
• Lead internal trade compliance audits and self-assessments; support external audits and investigations.
• Develop and deliver trade compliance training and awareness programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed compliance early in processes.
• Maintain accurate compliance records, licenses, and documentation; monitor KPIs.

Skills

Program management

Regulatory interpretation

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Business / Supply Chain / Law / Compliance

Job description

We begin with dreams. Dreams drive our motivation. Dreams are our future. The world's dreams, people's dreams, our dreams. Our passion creates ideas that make dreams come alive. Technology and products that were only dreams become reality.

All for dreams. Dreams challenge and the Nidec-Group will continue to meet the challenge. For the world's and people's tomorrows; the world's first, the world's best technologies and products; we will continue our part in creating a better society.

Job Summary

The Trade Compliance Program Manager is a senior professional role responsible for designing, executing, and continuously improving trade compliance programs to ensure adherence to global import/export regulations and corporate policies. This role applies deep regulatory knowledge and program‑management expertise to mitigate risk, support business operations, and enable compliant global trade activities.

Job Description

Role Overview

The Trade Compliance Program Manager owns key elements of the organization's trade compliance framework, including governance, policies, procedures, controls, and training. The role partners closely with Supply Chain, Logistics, Legal, Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to embed compliance within business processes. While remaining an individual contributor, the role provides informal leadership, guidance, and oversight for analysts or junior compliance staff.

This position does not have formal people‑management responsibility and typically reports to a Global Trade Compliance Director, Compliance Leader, or Legal / Risk executive (P4 / M1).

Key Responsibilities

Trade Compliance Program Ownership

• Design, implement, and maintain trade compliance programs covering import, export, and sanctions requirements
• Establish policies, procedures, and controls aligned with applicable regulations and internal standards
• Ensure consistent execution of trade compliance requirements across business units and regions

Regulatory Interpretation & Advisory

• Interpret global trade regulations (e.g., import/export controls, customs, sanctions) and translate them into operational guidance
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert for trade compliance inquiries and escalations
• Advise stakeholders on compliance considerations for transactions, shipments, and business decisions

Risk Management & Controls

• Identify, assess, and mitigate trade compliance risks
• Develop and test internal controls to prevent violations
• Lead or support investigations of potential compliance issues and corrective actions

Audits, Assessments & Remediation

• Lead internal trade compliance audits and self‑assessments
• Support external audits, regulatory inquiries, or government inspections
• Track findings, oversee remediation plans, and verify effectiveness

Training, Awareness & Culture

• Develop and deliver trade compliance training and awareness programs
• Ensure relevant employees understand roles, responsibilities, and regulatory requirements
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical trade practices

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Sales, Procurement, Finance, and Legal teams
• Support compliant execution of global trade activities while enabling business objectives
• Influence process design to embed compliance early and effectively

Data, Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate compliance records, licenses, and documentation
• Monitor KPIs and compliance metrics; report trends and risks to leadership
• Support data governance and record‑retention requirements

Continuous Improvement & Program Enhancement

• Identify opportunities to streamline compliant trade processes
• Benchmark practices and recommend enhancements to tools, systems, or controls
• Support automation or digitization of compliance processes where appropriate

Informal Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide technical guidance and review support to trade compliance analysts or coordinators
• Share best practices, lessons learned, and regulatory updates
• Support capability building within the compliance function

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Law, Compliance, or related field required (or equivalent experience)
• Professional certifications (e.g., customs or trade compliance credentials) preferred
• Typically 5-8 years of progressive experience in trade compliance, import/export compliance, customs, or regulatory roles

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of global trade compliance regulations and frameworks
• Strong program‑management, analytical, and risk‑assessment skills
• Ability to independently manage complex compliance initiatives
• Strong documentation, audit, and control design capability
• Effective communication and stakeholder‑management skills
• Ability to influence without formal authority
• High attention to detail, integrity, and sound judgment

Additional Job Details

Professional - P3

Organizational Impact

- Works to achieve operational, functional, and/