Defense Trade Solutions Manager

Defense Trade Solutions • Washington, DC

1d • $137,000 - $185,000

About The Position

Defense Trade Solutions (DTS) is hiring a Solutions Manager to own customer relationships, guide delivery teams, and grow accounts across complex, fast-moving defense trade engagements. The manager serves as the primary owner for a customer portfolio, leads recurring business reviews, coordinates cross-functional experts, and mentors direct reports while advancing compliant market access aligned with U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives.

The role supports DTS’s mission to safeguard U.S. and allied military advantage through responsible, simplified defense trade and export control. It involves managing customer delivery quality, schedules, outcomes, export authorization strategies, and engagement with U.S. Government stakeholders. Travel of up to 20% is required. The position offers a salary of $137,000–$185,000, commensurate with experience, and a discretionary performance bonus.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in export controls, trade compliance, aerospace and defense consulting, or related disciplines, with direct experience managing customers and teams.
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR and EAR, and ability to translate complex business scenarios into actionable export licensing strategy.
• Proven project management and communication skills, executive presence, and comfort leading decisions with senior customer stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting and uphold confidential obligations.
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of FMS from Pre-LOR to LOA signature, and/or security cooperation efforts.
• Advanced understanding of export licensing, including ITAR agreements, exemptions, and EAR exceptions, and ability to lead related export authorization strategies.
• Prior experience building and managing global trade compliance programs, including creating policies and procedures from scratch at a small or mid-sized aerospace or defense firm.
• Prior experience with global trade compliance strategy for products across development phases, including engineering design, prototype, testing and evaluation, final assembly, production, and maintenance or sustainment.
• Ability to own customer portfolios and maintain executive-level relationships while ensuring delivery quality, schedule adherence, and measurable outcomes.
• Ability to manage and mentor direct reports and coach Specialists, Senior Specialists, and Principal Specialists.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage C-suite executives and senior U.S. Government officials.
• Creative, resourceful, and energized by cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to acquire an Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of customers and maintain strong executive-level relationships.
• Lead recurring customer meetings, including monthly status reviews and quarterly business reviews; set agendas, drive decisions, and track actions.
• Guide delivery teams and ensure delivery quality, schedule adherence, and measurable outcomes.
• Lead export authorization strategies and serve as the escalation point for complex licensing deliverables and U.S. Government engagement with DDTC and BIS.
• Manage and mentor direct reports, coach Specialists, Senior Specialists, and Principal Specialists, and enforce DTS communication and delivery standards.
• Coordinate cross-functional support across logistics and customs, compliance, FMS, and Technology Release and Foreign Disclosure planning.
• Translate technical analysis into clear guidance and next steps for customers.
• Support resource planning, project management, and client portfolio growth efforts.
• Build and manage global trade compliance programs, including developing policies and procedures.
• Travel up to 20% of the time.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 9/80 schedule
• Three weeks of accrued PTO
• 10 holidays
• Accrued sick leave
• Holiday shutdown
• $100 quarterly wellness stipend
• $100 monthly WFH setup stipend
• 401(k) with company match
• Discretionary performance bonus tied to company goals and individual performance; payouts may exceed 20% of base salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed