Global Trade Manager

About Forterra

At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.

Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.

About the role

We are seeking a Global Trade Manager to own the day-to-day operation of Forterra’s export and import compliance program, and serve as the company’s primary trade compliance authority. This person coordinates licensing for our products, software, and technical data for international programs; keeps our classifications accurate; guides Growth, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management coworkers through controlled transactions; and protects the company’s ability to do business abroad. The role combines licensing and shipment work with program ownership, including policy, training, auditing, and continuous improvement. We expect the Global Trade Manager to have one direct report that will assist with the position’s responsibilities.

Forterra’s business centers on software, technical data, and integrated autonomy kits, so the ideal candidate understands technology and deemed-export controls as well as hardware exports.

What you'll do

Licensing and Authorizations

• Export licensing – Prepare, submit, and manage Department of State licenses and agreements (DSP-5, DSP-73, DSP-61, TAAs, MLAs, WDAs) through DECCS, and Department of Commerce licenses through SNAP-R. Track status, provisos, amendments, and expirations, and report status to internal stakeholders.
• Jurisdiction and advisory requests – Prepare and submit Commodity Jurisdiction requests, advisory opinions, and general correspondence to DDTC and BIS.
• Registration – Maintain Forterra’s DDTC registration and any other U.S. Government registrations, permits, and authorizations the business requires.

Classification and Technology Controls

• Product classification – Determine and maintain export and import classifications (USML category, ECCN, HTS, and Schedule B) for Forterra hardware, software, and technical data with the assistance of outside counsel and/or consultants, and keep the classification database current.
• Technology control – Provide guidance on compliance with foreign-person access to controlled technical data, including through technology control plans, deemed exports, IT access, and collaboration tools.
• Visitors and travel – Provide trade compliance guidance regarding foreign visits and international travel; advise employees on export restrictions that apply to technical data and equipment they present or carry abroad.

Shipments and Imports

• Export shipments – Partner with Shipping, Receiving, and Purchasing to confirm that every international shipment carries the correct authorization, documentation, and EEI/AES filing.
• Imports – Oversee import compliance, including customs broker management, entry review, valuation, country of origin, and recordkeeping. Investigate and resolve shipments that U.S. Customs and Border Protection holds or seizes.
• Screening and due diligence – Run restricted-party screening, end-use and end-user checks, and risk-based due diligence on foreign customers, partners, and suppliers, including sanctions (OFAC) review.

Business and Program Support

• Business development – Advise International Business Development and Program Management on licensing strategy, timelines, and risk for new pursuits.
• Trade shows and demonstrations – Coordinate licensing and approvals for international trade shows, demonstrations, and temporary exports and imports.

Compliance Program Management

• Policies and procedures – Revise, implement, and update Forterra’s trade compliance manual, procedures, and work instructions.
• Training – Develop and deliver export and import compliance training, and maintain training records.
• Audits and investigations – Conduct internal audits, investigate potential violations, and prepare voluntary disclosures with outside counsel when warranted.
• Recordkeeping – Maintain records that satisfy ITAR, EAR, CBP, and FAR/DFARS retention requirements.
• Regulatory monitoring – Track regulatory changes and assess their effect on Forterra’s products, markets, and procedures.
• Outside advisors – Engage as needed with outside trade counsel and consultants.
• Continuous improvement – Identify gaps, recommend solutions to senior leadership, implement approved changes, and report on progress. Evaluate and administer trade compliance software and tools.
• Team leadership – Supervise and develop trade compliance specialists to manage and assist with the above responsibilities as the function grows.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Trade, Law, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Eight (8) or more years of export and import compliance experience.
• Deep knowledge of the ITAR and EAR, and working knowledge of U.S. customs regulations and OFAC sanctions.
• Experience preparing, or familiarity with, DSP-5s, TAAs, and MLAs in DECCS and license applications in SNAP-R.
• Demonstrated experience classifying products, software, and technical data under the USML and CCL with the assistance of external counsel and/or consultants.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as export licenses and TAAs.
• Experience writing and implementing trade compliance policies, procedures, and training.
• Experience working with DDTC, BIS, CBP, DoD, international customers, freight forwarders, and outside counsel.
• Sound judgment in interpreting regulations and the confidence to stop a transaction when compliance requires it.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize independently and work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior designation as an ITAR Empowered Official.
• Experience at a defense contractor, aerospace firm, or U.S. Government agency.
• Experience with software, autonomy, robotics, or other technology-intensive defense products.
• Experience supporting Foreign Military Sales programs and foreign partner co-development or co-production.
• Experience with trade compliance software (e.g., restricted-party screening and classification tools) and ERP integration.
• Experience at a company that operates under a FOCI mitigation agreement.
• Professional certification such as Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or Licensed Customs Broker.
• Experience with defense contract management, supply chain, or purchasing.

US Salary Range
 $130,000 - $150,000

Location

On-Site in Arlington, VA

Up to 10% Travel Required

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.  
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption. 
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires. 
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.   

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in all personnel practices. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran and disability status, and criminal history, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Forterra is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

To see Forterra’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit Forterra Legal | Job Applicant Privacy Notice.