Trade Compliance Manager - Legal

The Asia Pacific Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the Company's trade compliance programme across the Asia region. This role ensures compliance with applicable export controls, economic sanctions, customs regulations, import/export requirements, and cross-border trade laws. The incumbent serves as the regional subject matter expert, partnering with business leaders, supply chain, logistics, engineering, procurement, finance, and legal teams to manage trade risks while enabling compliant business growth.

The role is responsible for implementing global trade compliance policies, supporting regional operations, conducting risk assessments and investigations, managing licensing and regulatory requirements, and promoting a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

Trade Compliance Governance

• Implement and maintain the Company's global trade compliance programme across Asia.
• Interpret and advise on trade compliance regulations impacting regional operations.
• Develop regional procedures, guidance documents, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable customs, export control, sanctions, and import regulations.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess business impact.

Export Controls and Sanctions

• Advise business stakeholders on export control requirements, licensing obligations, and sanctions restrictions.
• Review transactions involving high-risk jurisdictions, restricted parties, and controlled technologies.
• Support denied party screening processes and escalation procedures.
• Conduct sanctions and export control investigations and support voluntary disclosures where necessary.
• Provide practical solutions to facilitate compliant business operations.

Customs and Import Compliance

• Oversee customs compliance activities including: 
  • Tariff classification (HS Codes)
  • Customs valuation
  • Country of origin determinations
  • Import licensing requirements
  • Recordkeeping obligations
• Support audits and reviews of import and export transactions.
• Identify opportunities to improve customs efficiency and reduce duty exposure.

Free Trade Agreements and Duty Optimisation

• Lead the utilisation of Free Trade Agreements and preferential trade programmes.
• Implement processes supporting Rules of Origin qualification and documentation.
• Partner with supply chain teams to achieve duty savings and supply chain efficiencies.
• Support regional strategies involving RCEP, ASEAN trade frameworks, and other relevant agreements. 

Risk Management and Audits

• Conduct periodic trade compliance risk assessments across the Asia region.
• Lead internal audits and compliance reviews.
• Manage corrective action plans and remediation activities.
• Serve as the primary contact for customs authorities and regulatory inquiries.
• Support external audits and government inspections.

Stakeholder Engagement and Training

• Deliver trade compliance training to regional employees and management.
• Develop compliance awareness initiatives and communications.
• Build strong relationships with regional leadership teams.
• Act as a trusted advisor to commercial, operational and functional stakeholders.
• Support global compliance projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, coach and develop regional trade compliance personnel where applicable.
• Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support talent development and succession planning.
• Drive alignment between regional operations and global compliance objectives.

Skills

• Expert understanding of Asian customs and trade compliance regulations.
• Strong knowledge of US EAR, OFAC sanctions, and other extraterritorial regulatory regimes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong business partnering and influencing skills.
• Ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements to non-specialist audiences.
• Strong presentation and training capabilities.
• High ethical standards, sound judgement, and attention to detail.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Success Measures

• Effective implementation of trade compliance controls across Asia.
• Timely identification and mitigation of trade compliance risks.
• Successful completion of internal and external audits.
• Increased employee awareness and compliance engagement.
• Reduction in regulatory exposure, customs penalties, and supply chain disruptions.
• Strong partnerships with business leaders and regional stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law, International Trade, Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, Customs, International Relations or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in trade compliance, customs, export controls, sanctions compliance, Logistics Management, or a related area.
• Significant experience supporting multinational operations across Asia.
• Strong knowledge of: 
  • Export controls
  • Economic sanctions
  • Customs regulations
  • Classification and licensing
  • Country of origin
  • International trade regulations
  • Logistics Management
• Experience managing regulatory audits and investigations.
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills