International Trade Compliance Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-globalizing business world, the role of the International Trade Compliance Manager has never been more critical.

As businesses expand across borders, the demand for proficient professionals who can navigate, manage, and fortify the complex world of international trade compliance is on the rise.

But let’s delve a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from an International Trade Compliance Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of international trade compliance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile International Trade Compliance Manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

International Trade Compliance Manager Duties and Responsibilities

International Trade Compliance Managers are responsible for managing and ensuring that international trading activities follow all international trade laws and regulations.

They work closely with various departments within an organization to ensure international trade compliance.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement import and export compliance policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with all international trade laws, regulations and guidelines
• Manage and coordinate import and export activities
• Conduct internal audits to assess compliance levels and identify areas of risk
• Train and educate company employees about trade compliance regulations and industry changes
• Prepare and submit necessary documentation for import and export activities
• Resolve customs-related issues and liaise with government agencies when required
• Keep up-to-date with changes in international trade regulations and communicate these changes to relevant stakeholders
• Develop and maintain relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other related parties
• Review and manage any violations of trade compliance regulations

 

International Trade Compliance Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a competent International Trade Compliance Manager to help ensure our company adheres to legal standards and in-house policies.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for enforcing regulations in all aspects and levels of business as well as provide guidance on compliance matters.

They should be well-versed in legal guidelines and corporate governance best practices.

The role of the International Trade Compliance Manager is to ensure our business operations and transactions follow all relevant legal and internal rules.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement company policies and regulations.
• Understand and apply regulatory standards applicable to company products and services.
• Prepare and submit reports to the appropriate government agencies.
• Review and evaluate company procedures and reports to identify hidden risks or non-conformity issues.
• Collaborate with corporate counsels and HR departments to monitor enforcement of standards and regulations.
• Assess the business’s future ventures to identify possible compliance risks.
• Revise procedures, reports etc. periodically to identify hidden risks or non-compliance issues.
• Keep abreast of regulatory developments within or outside of the company as well as evolving best practices in compliance control.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Compliance Manager or Compliance Officer.
• Strong knowledge of industry processes and regulations.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and databases.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• BSc/BA in law, finance, business administration or related field.
• Certified compliance professional is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: International Trade Compliance Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Compliance or Chief Compliance Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $140,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an International Trade Compliance Manager Do?

International Trade Compliance Managers typically work for companies engaged in global trade, including manufacturers, importers, exporters, and logistics providers.

Their primary role is to ensure that their organization complies with all international trade regulations and laws.

This includes laws related to importing and exporting, customs, and security regulations.

They must stay updated with changes in these regulations and implement necessary changes in their organization’s processes to ensure ongoing compliance.

They are responsible for the development, implementation, and management of their organization’s trade compliance programs and policies.

This includes training employees on compliance requirements, auditing and monitoring trade activities, and preparing reports for senior management and regulatory authorities.

International Trade Compliance Managers also handle any trade compliance issues that arise, such as customs audits, non-compliance incidents, and investigations.

They develop corrective action plans to address any identified issues and prevent their recurrence in the future.

They work closely with various departments within their organization, including sales, procurement, logistics, and legal departments, to ensure that all trade activities are compliant with regulations.

They may also interact with external entities such as customs authorities, trade consultants, and legal advisors.

Their goal is to facilitate smooth, efficient, and compliant international trade activities for their organization, while minimizing risk and ensuring that all trade transactions are conducted in an ethical and legal manner.

 

International Trade Compliance Manager Qualifications and Skills

An International Trade Compliance Manager should have the qualifications and skills that align with the job requirements and responsibilities, such as:

• Having comprehensive knowledge of international trade regulations to ensure company’s compliance with import and export laws.
• Strong leadership and management skills for overseeing the company’s trade compliance team, and ensuring all team members are on par with compliance regulations.
• Exceptional communication skills to interact with various departments and levels of management, as well as with external agencies and partners.
• Excellent organizational skills for handling multiple projects simultaneously and ensuring all tasks are completed timely and accurately.
• Analytical abilities to conduct regular audits and risk assessments, identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk, and develop corrective action plans for resolution of problematic issues.
• Detail-oriented and diligent in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of changes in trade compliance laws and regulations, and ensuring these changes are communicated and implemented within the company.
• Experience with customs classifications, valuation, and duty calculations to ensure proper documentation and payments.
• Conflict resolution skills to address any disputes or issues that arise in relation to international trade.

 

International Trade Compliance Manager Experience Requirements

For an International Trade Compliance Manager, potential candidates are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in Business, International Relations, Law, or a similar field.

However, a master’s degree in a related field or a law degree can be advantageous.

Entry-level candidates should ideally have at least 2 to 3 years of experience in international trade compliance, often acquired through roles such as Compliance Analyst or Compliance Associate.

They should have a working knowledge of export controls, trade sanctions, and customs regulations.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are generally eligible for mid-level positions.

At this level, individuals should have a broad knowledge of international trade laws and regulations and have experience managing trade compliance programs.

They are also expected to have experience in interacting with regulatory authorities and handling trade audits.

Senior-level candidates for the role of International Trade Compliance Manager are typically expected to have over 10 years of experience in international trade compliance.

They may have previously held roles such as Senior Compliance Analyst, Compliance Officer, or even Trade Compliance Manager.

At this level, individuals are expected to have extensive experience with import/export laws, regulations, and strategies, as well as demonstrated leadership skills.

Additionally, for all levels, proficiency in a second language can be a significant asset in this role due to the international nature of the work.

Certification in trade compliance from a recognized institution can also boost a candidate’s prospects.

 

International Trade Compliance Manager Education and Training Requirements

International Trade Compliance Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, economics, international business, or a related field.

This role demands a strong understanding of international trade regulations and laws, so relevant coursework or specializations in these areas are advantageous.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many organizations prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or international business.

This advanced degree provides a deeper understanding of global business strategies and regulatory frameworks.

Certifications, such as the Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), can further demonstrate a candidate’s expertise and commitment to the field.

These certifications require examination and ongoing professional development.

Practical experience in international trade, compliance, or regulatory affairs is crucial.

This can be obtained through internships, co-ops, or entry-level positions in similar fields.

Fluency in more than one language is also often beneficial given the global nature of the work.

Continuing education is essential in this role, as international trade regulations and laws frequently change.

Therefore, an International Trade Compliance Manager must be committed to staying informed about the latest developments in the field.

 

International Trade Compliance Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for an International Trade Compliance Manager is approximately $96,425 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the size and type of their employer, and the region in which they are based.

 

International Trade Compliance Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an International Trade Compliance Manager need?

International Trade Compliance Managers need excellent analytical skills to interpret complex trade regulations and laws.

They should have strong communication skills to effectively convey compliance procedures across different business departments.

Knowledge of international trade rules and regulations, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial.

Proficiency in a foreign language can also be beneficial.

 

Do International Trade Compliance Managers need a degree?

Most International Trade Compliance Managers hold a bachelor’s degree in International Business, Law, or related fields.

A master’s degree can be beneficial for higher-level positions.

It’s also common for employers to require experience in international trade, legal, or compliance roles.

 

What should you look for in an International Trade Compliance Manager’s resume?

Look for previous experience in managing trade compliance within a business environment.

A strong candidate should have knowledge of import and export regulations and customs law.

Certifications in trade compliance or related areas are a plus.

Fluency in a foreign language can also be a major advantage, especially if the business operates in several countries.

 

What qualities make a good International Trade Compliance Manager?

A good International Trade Compliance Manager is detail-oriented, as they need to understand intricate trade regulations.

They should be adept at problem-solving, as they may need to find solutions to complex compliance issues.

Strong communication skills are also essential, as they must effectively convey compliance protocols to various business departments.

 

Is it difficult to hire an International Trade Compliance Manager?

Hiring an International Trade Compliance Manager can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

The candidate must have specific knowledge of trade laws and regulations, and experience in the field of international trade.

Because of these requirements, there may be a smaller pool of qualified candidates, which can make the hiring process more challenging.

 

Conclusion

So, we’ve unpacked the mystery.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an International Trade Compliance Manager.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about handling trade regulations.

It’s about orchestrating the seamless flow of international commerce, one trade agreement at a time.

Armed with our go-to International Trade Compliance Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to jump-start your career.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your portal to immaculately tailored job listings or refining your resume to a T.

Keep in mind:

Each trade agreement is a piece of the global commerce puzzle.

Let’s make global trade easier. Together.

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