Director, Trade Compliance (International)

Position Summary
Lead our client’s trade compliance function across critical markets—unlocking market access, strengthening customer trust, and driving cost leadership to accelerate utility-scale solar growth. Set the vision and operating model for an import-centric program in the United States, Canada, and Australia, with oversight across APAC and Oceania. Combine executive leadership with hands-on expertise: direct day-to-day customs execution; advance duty-optimization initiatives (e.g., First Sale for Export and Section 232); steward one global center of excellence (e.g. classification, valuation, or duty optimization); and enable cross-functional decisions that keep product moving compliantly and competitively.

Core Responsibilities
Strategy & Governance — Define the multi-year trade-compliance strategy; establish policies, SOPs and internal controls that translate regulations into scalable, auditable processes across regions.
U.S. Import & IOR Leadership (U.S./CA/AU) — Own importer-of-record programs and oversee day-to-day customs execution (entries, ISF, reconciliation, records), engaging directly with customs authorities to ensure timely, accurate clearances.
Global Discipline Centre of Excellence — Lead one enterprise trade specialty (classification, origin, valuation, or duty-optimization); maintain rulings and master data; issue authoritative guidance and coach regional teams on complex determinations.
Duty Optimization & Special Programs — Drive compliant savings through tariff engineering, preferential trade (e.g., USMCA/FTAs), Chapter 98, drawback, First Sale for Export, and Section 232 (steel) compliance; prepare recommendation memos and secure cross-functional adoption.
Regulatory & Legal Engagement — Monitor and interpret trade laws, sanctions and trade-remedy actions; brief executives on impacts and options; coordinate company responses to regulatory inquiries and assessments in partnership with Legal.
Customs Broker & External Advisor Manageme...