Trade Compliance Manager

About the organization

This role sits within a globally oriented business that operates with a strong focus on integrity, transparency, and regulatory adherence. Teams across supply chain, logistics, procurement, legal, finance, operations, and commercial functions work together to keep international trade activity aligned with customs rules, sanctions controls, trade legislation, and governance expectations, while still supporting growth.

Role overview

The organization is looking for an experienced Trade Compliance Manager to own and strengthen its global trade compliance program. This position is responsible for shaping compliance strategy, reducing regulatory exposure, overseeing trade processes, and partnering with internal teams to keep international movement of goods efficient and compliant.

Key responsibilities

• Build and implement trade compliance strategies that support business goals, legal obligations, and international operations.
• Lead oversight of import, export, customs, sanctions, and broader trade compliance activities across jurisdictions.
• Work closely with logistics, procurement, supply chain, legal, finance, operations, sales, and customs brokers to enable compliant cross-border transactions.
• Create, update, and enforce policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance structures for trade compliance.
• Handle product and tariff classification, HS code assignment, country-of-origin analysis, customs valuation, free trade agreement qualification, and trade documentation management.
• Carry out restricted party screening, sanctions checks, export licensing reviews, and due diligence on customers, suppliers, distributors, and other partners.
• Track performance indicators such as clearance speed, compliance results, audit observations, shipment delays, document accuracy, duty savings, training completion, and risk reduction.
• Run internal audits, support regulatory inspections, manage corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in compliance controls.
• Identify and reduce risks related to customs, export controls, sanctions, anti-bribery obligations, supply chain security, and international trade operations.
• Stay current on changes in trade laws, customs rules, sanctions programs, free trade agreements, and other regulatory developments, and brief stakeholders on business impact.
• Maintain relationships with customs authorities, government bodies, brokers, freight forwarders, legal advisers, and external compliance partners.
• Prepare reports, risk assessments, audit summaries, regulatory updates, executive dashboards, and strategic recommendations for senior leaders.
• Guide, coach, and develop trade compliance specialists, customs coordinators, and compliance analysts while promoting accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Business Administration, Logistics, Law, Customs Administration, Finance, or a similar discipline is preferred.
• Professional credentials such as CCS, CES, CITP, CSCP, or equivalent certifications are considered an advantage.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in trade compliance, customs compliance, import/export operations, global logistics, international trade, or a related area.
• At least 2 years of experience leading trade compliance programs, customs operations, or cross-functional regulatory work is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of import/export rules, customs procedures, export controls, sanctions, FTAs, tariff classification, customs valuation, and compliance frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems, Global Trade Management tools, customs compliance platforms, denied-party screening systems, Microsoft Office, Power BI, and other business intelligence tools.
• Familiarity with WCO standards, AEO programs, supply chain security practices, and Incoterms is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership, analytical thinking, strategic planning, organization, risk management, and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, presentation, negotiation, and collaboration skills.
• Capability to design and sustain enterprise-level trade compliance programs while balancing regulation, efficiency, and commercial priorities.
• Comfort working independently in a remote setup.

What’s offered

• Fully remote work from within the United Arab Emirates.
• Competitive pay package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in compliance leadership.
• Exposure to global trade operations, international regulatory environments, digital compliance tools, and enterprise governance work.
• A flexible, collaborative workplace.
• A supportive culture centered on integrity, operational excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• The chance to lead enterprise compliance initiatives that protect the business while enabling international expansion.
• Clear progression opportunities across trade compliance, global logistics, supply chain leadership, risk management, and executive roles.

Work arrangement

This is a full-time remote position based in the United Arab Emirates.