Compliance Manager – Contracts & Export Compliance

Sierra Olympia•Hood River, OR

About The Position

The Compliance Manager oversees the company’s contractual obligations, export compliance activities, and related regulatory requirements. The role ensures that commercial agreements, international transactions, and regulatory processes are managed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable laws and company policies. The position works cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, Engineering, Operations, and external partners, and serves as a key resource for contract administration, trade compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement. The role manages commercial contracts and the company’s export compliance program, supports import and customs compliance, and develops policies and procedures for contractual and regulatory compliance. It also assesses risks, supports audits and investigations, and provides employees and leadership with guidance, training, updates, and recommendations. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Business, Supply Chain Management, Legal Studies, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
At least 5 years of experience in contract administration, export compliance, international trade, or a related regulatory function.
Working knowledge of U.S. export regulations, including EAR, ITAR, and OFAC requirements.
Experience reviewing, interpreting, negotiating, and administering commercial contracts.
Familiarity with international shipping, export classifications, restricted-party screening, and licensing requirements.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to independently manage competing priorities, maintain confidentiality, and collaborate across departments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing, engineering, defense, aerospace, or advanced technology industries.
Experience managing export compliance programs, regulatory audits, or internal compliance controls.
Familiarity with U.S. government contracting requirements, including FAR, DFARS, DPAS ratings, and applicable contractual flow-down obligations.
Experience with ERP and contract management systems, including SAP Business One.
Knowledge of international commercial transactions, Incoterms, customs regulations, and global supplier/customer relationships.
Professional certification in export compliance, international trade, or contract management.
Experience developing compliance procedures, training programs, and process improvements.

Responsibilities

Review, administer, and manage customer, supplier, distributor, and other commercial contracts; identify potential risks and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
Partner with Sales, Program Management, and other stakeholders to negotiate contractual terms, resolve discrepancies in transactional documents, and coordinate with customers and suppliers.
Manage contract approvals, renewals, amendments, documentation, and recordkeeping.
Support commercial negotiations involving pricing, payment terms, warranties, liability, delivery, and other contractual considerations.
Collaborate with leadership and external legal counsel on complex contractual matters and risk mitigation.
Develop and maintain standardized contract templates, procedures, and tracking systems.
Manage the company’s export compliance program in accordance with applicable U.S. regulations, including EAR, ITAR, and OFAC sanctions requirements.
Coordinate export classifications, licensing, documentation, restricted-party screening, and international shipment compliance.
Partner with Engineering and Sales to determine product classifications, including ECCN and USML designations.
Evaluate export transactions, end users, and destinations to identify and mitigate compliance risks.
Support import and customs compliance, coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international partners.
Maintain accurate export records, licenses, authorizations, and supporting documentation.
Monitor regulatory changes, communicate business impacts, and provide employee guidance and training on export-controlled activities.
Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures supporting contractual and regulatory compliance.
Identify and assess compliance risks and recommend practical solutions that support business objectives.
Conduct internal reviews of contracts, export transactions, and compliance processes to identify areas for improvement.
Support internal and external audits, including documentation, information requests, corrective actions, and follow-up.
Investigate potential compliance concerns and coordinate resolution with appropriate stakeholders.
Support continuous improvement through process standardization, employee training, documentation, and compliance tracking.
Partner with Sales, Engineering, Finance, Quality, and Operations to incorporate compliance requirements into daily business activities.
Serve as an internal resource for contractual obligations, export controls, regulatory requirements, and risk management.
Coordinate with external legal counsel, government agencies, and business partners as needed.
Provide leadership with compliance updates, risk assessments, and recommendations for operational improvements.