Senior Trade Compliance Manager

Position: Senior Trade Compliance Manager

Job Description:

The Senior Trade Compliance Manager will be responsible for the development, implementation, and management of Forward's global trade compliance program. As the subject matter expert, you will ensure our import and export activities adhere to all U.S. and international regulations. This role requires a hands-on leader who can provide strategic guidance to senior leadership, manage day-to-day compliance operations, and foster a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

Core Responsibilities & Duties:

• Program Development & Strategy: Design, implement, and continuously improve a best-in-class global trade compliance program, including policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure adherence to all applicable laws
• Regulatory Oversight: Serve as the primary expert on all relevant import/export regulations, including but not limited to U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations
• Classification & Valuation: Leverage expert knowledge to review, audit, and validate the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), Schedule B, and Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) classifications provided by clients. Advise clients on regulatory best practices for declaring goods and support them in maintaining accurate trade data
• Licensing & Agreements: Oversee the validation of all client-provided export licenses, permits, and government authorizations. Provide expert counsel to clients regarding complex licensing requirements under regulations such as EAR and ITAR, while ensuring the compliant, accurate, and timely submission of all Electronic Export Information (EEI) to the Automated Export System (AES)
• Risk Management & Auditing: Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments of the company’s trade activities. Identify potential compliance risks, investigate violations, and implement robust corrective action plans
• Third-Party Management: Manage and audit customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other trade-related partners to ensure they meet our high standards for compliance and performance
• Training & Advisory: Develop and deliver comprehensive trade compliance training to employees across departments. Act as a key advisor to business units and senior management on all trade-related matters
• Recordkeeping: Establish and enforce a rigorous recordkeeping system for all import and export documentation in accordance with government regulations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• U.S. Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) is strongly preferred
• Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or similar certification
• A minimum of 8 years of direct experience in a corporate trade compliance environment, with at least 3 years in a management or program leadership role
• Expert-level knowledge of U.S. trade regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC, CBP)
• Demonstrated experience with HTS, ECCN, and country of origin classification

Skills:

• Proven ability to develop and implement compliance policies and procedures from the ground up.
• Strong experience working on cross-functional projects.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex regulatory concepts to a variety of audiences

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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