Director of Trade Compliance

Airgas•Houston, TX

15h•$155,000 - $180,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Trade Compliance will be responsible for leading the strategic direction and management of Air Liquide’s trade organization by creating, implementing, and driving an innovative and responsive global trade compliance program, in line with the Group requirements in Trade Compliance matters. By enabling trade compliance excellence across the organization, the role will ensure robust compliance within those countries where Air Liquide conducts business. This role will also deploy, monitor and improve the effectiveness of current compliance controls and processes, ensuring there is sufficient focus and resources dedicated to trade compliance across the organization, as well as making recommendations to senior leaders to address any gaps.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, law or international trade
A minimum of 10 years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in trade compliance function (import and/or export compliance), preferably with an international company with multiple US and international locations.
10+ years of experience in import and export compliance activities working for multinational company
Prior demonstrated experience in the development, implementation and maintenance of a trade compliance program, including training, policies, and guidelines. This includes demonstrated knowledge of: (Incoterms, Export Administration Regulations, ITAR Regulations, Customs Regulations, Product Classification (HTS and ECCN), Free Trade Agreements, Country of Origin Determination, Knowledge of import and export regulations in countries other than the USA, Anti-corruption)
Import or Export Certification or equivalent experience
Hands-on engagement or experience with BIS, U.S. Customs, OFAC and corresponding EU regulatory agencies;
Demonstrated understanding of OFAC and BIS requirements for restricted parties and countries, export licensing (including technology review and deemed export licensing), and reporting and documentation;
In-depth expertise with the Harmonized Code System and Explanatory Notes & US Customs classification
Demonstrated experience in maintaining a database of import and export data in full compliance with reporting requirements of US Customs;
Experience building departmental and/or cross-functional Trade Controls governance infrastructure;
Experience managing multiple projects, processes or project management experience;
Excellent leadership and management skills managing employees (either direct or indirect).
Proven experience in identifying, re-engineering and implementing Global Trade Compliance processes and procedures

Nice To Haves

Trade related certifications: CUSECO (Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer), CES (Certified Export Specialist), and / or LCB (Licensed Customs Broker) (preferred).
Experience with Oracle or SAP is highly desired.
Advanced degree

Responsibilities

Further develop, implement and manage the company’s Trade Compliance program, including policies and procedures applicable to all business units and foreign affiliates, and provide training to associates involved in import/export transactions.
Provide strategic guidance, training and direction to the organization’s designated ITCR (International Trade Compliance Representative) that supports the company’s different business units and foreign affiliates on all trade compliance matters.
Develop or update trade compliance training programs and implement a training tracking system to ensure all associates, when applicable, are properly training.
Ensure the classification (HTS and ECCN Codes) of all company products are identified and maintained for all imports and exports.
Conduct risk-assessments of all the business units to identify trade compliance gaps and issue recommendations to each business unit President.
Identify technology trade tools to enhance the Air Liquide ITC program and improve current manual processes.
Direct and lead meetings with management to justify the investment of funds for trade compliance projects, such as a Global Trade Management (GTM) system and product classifications.
Issue and manage Customs Powers of Attorney and Broker/Freight Forwarder Standard Operating Procedures.
Manage the relationship with Air Liquide's customs brokers and freight forwarding agents to ensure these services are processing accurate filings on the company’s behalf and that invoices are paid on a timely basis.
Support the regulatory correspondences for the organization. This may include requests for information, regulatory violations or penalty notices issued to Air Liquide.
Manage Air Liquide’s Trade Compliance electronic recordkeeping platform to ensure all compliance records are stored and readily accessible for internal assessments or audits.
Provide monthly reports to the Group International Trade Compliance Officer (GITCO) on the status of projects that will continue to enhance the company’s Trade Compliance program.
Issue quarterly import and export data reports and share with senior business unit management.
Lead any voluntary self disclosures to government agencies on trade related matters, in coordination with GITCO, Air Liquide Legal and external trade compliance counsel.
Develop, implement and manage any other trade compliance strategic initiatives.