Position: Global Trade Compliance Director

Job Description

Forward Air/Omni Logistics is seeking a Global Trade Compliance Director, you will oversee and manage the company's global sanctions and trade compliance program, ensuring adherence to international trade laws and regulations. You will lead a team, drive strategy to support business growth, and manage regulatory risk, while directly interacting with executive leadership on trade compliance matters. This role requires a seasoned compliance professional with a legal background and substantial experience in global trade compliance.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive global trade compliance strategy aligned with U.S. and relevant international trade laws and regulations (e.g., EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions, customs regulations). Continuously update the strategy to address emerging regulatory changes and ensure full compliance across all jurisdictions. Ensure robust processes for sanctions compliance and denied-party screening. Oversee the screening of customers, suppliers, and transactions against U.S. and international restricted party lists. Provide guidance on handling transactions involving embargoed or high-risk countries. Serve as the decision authority for escalations involving potential sanctions issues or complex cross-border shipping restrictions. Partner internally and externally to ensure compliant, efficient global trade operations. Guide business units on trade compliance for new routes, services, or customer engagements. Embed compliance into decision-making processes. Oversee targeted trade compliance training programs for employees and business partners, particularly those directly involved in import/export activities. Ensure employees and business partners receive current training on applicable regulations (EAR, ITAR, customs requirements) and clearly understand their compliance responsibilities. Foster a proactive culture where stakeholders actively identify and escalate trade compliance issues. Identify and assess regulatory risks related to global trade compliance. Implement effective controls and solutions to mitigate identified risks. Monitor and audit compliance activities to ensure adherence to regulations. Engage with executive leadership on matters related to trade compliance. Provide strategic advice and updates on compliance issues and regulatory changes. Act as a key advisor to the Chief Compliance Officer. Build or scale a trade compliance program in line with the company’s growth and operational needs. Ensure the program is adaptable to changes in the regulatory environment. Maintain accurate records of compliance activities and decisions. Prepare and present compliance reports to senior management and regulatory bodies as required. Continuously evaluate and improve compliance processes and procedures. Stay updated on industry best practices and incorporate them into the compliance program. Maintain deep expertise in U.S. export and import regulations, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions, and U.S. Customs regulations. Stay well-versed in Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification systems.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Law, Business, or a related field (advanced degree such as a Juris Doctor or LLM strongly preferred). Minimum of 10-15 years' experience in global trade compliance, with substantial experience in a leadership capacity. Professional certifications such as CUSECO or equivalent are a plus. Deep expertise in U.S. export and import regulations, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions, and U.S. Customs regulations. Experience building or scaling a trade compliance program in a multinational logistics, freight forwarding, or supply chain company. Proven track record in developing and implementing compliance strategies and programs. Excellent analytical skills to interpret complex regulatory requirements and assess their impact on business operations. Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving ability to balance compliance requirements with business objectives. Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate regulatory changes and advise leadership accordingly.

Skills:

Leadership and team management skills to oversee and guide a compliance team. Strategic thinking to develop and implement comprehensive compliance strategies. Strong communication skills to interact effectively with executive leadership and other stakeholders. Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify compliance risks and implement effective controls. Attention to detail to ensure thorough compliance with all regulations. Ability to work collaboratively across functions and with external partners. Proficiency in compliance-related software and tools. Continuous learning mindset to stay updated on industry best practices and regulatory changes.

 

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer