Global Trade Compliance Manager

UKG•Lowell, MA

2d•$115,100 - $165,450•Remote

About The Position

UKG designs and ships purpose-built hardware — time clocks, biometric readers, and access control devices — to customers in 100 + countries across the globe. As UKG expands its international hardware footprint and brings new products to market, the complexity of global trade compliance has grown significantly. This is a new Individual Contributor role that will build and operate UKG's global export compliance program for hardware products. Reporting to the Director, Supply Chain Operations, this person will serve as the internal subject matter expert on export control regulations, trade sanctions, and country-specific import requirements — and will embed compliance into the operational processes that govern how UKG ships hardware worldwide. This is a builder role. You will not be inheriting a mature compliance program — you will be designing it, documenting it, and earning the trust of cross-functional partners who need to understand why compliance is a business enabler, not a blocker.

Requirements

5–8 years of export compliance experience, with direct ownership of classification, screening, and licensing functions
Deep working knowledge of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including ECCN classification, Commerce Control List interpretation, and license exception analysis
Hands-on experience with OFAC sanctions programs and denied party screening processes
Experience filing Electronic Export Information (EEI) via AES and managing encryption review submissions
Demonstrated ability to build or significantly mature a compliance program — not just operate an existing one
Experience in a hardware, technology, or electronics manufacturing environment where physical products are shipped internationally
Ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements clearly to non-compliance audiences — operations, sales, and finance teams
Strong analytical and documentation skills; comfortable producing policies, SOPs, and decision frameworks

Nice To Haves

Experience with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), even in a peripheral capacity — UKG is not a defense company, but familiarity with the regulatory landscape is valued
Background in time & attendance hardware, access control, enterprise IoT, or consumer electronics — product familiarity accelerates classification work
Experience working within a global market entry process and flagging compliance requirements before logistics commitments are made
Familiarity with trade compliance software platforms (e.g., SAP GTS, Amber Road/E2open, Descartes Visual Compliance, or similar denied party screening tools)
Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or equivalent professional certification
Experience supporting M&A due diligence from an export compliance perspective — assessing inherited classification histories and compliance program gaps

Responsibilities

Classify UKG hardware products under the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) framework using the Commerce Control List (CCL).
Maintain classification records and ensure accuracy as products evolve or new products are introduced.
Evaluate each export transaction to determine whether a license exception applies or a license application is required.
Manage license applications to BIS and other agencies as needed.
Lead EAR encryption reviews for hardware products with cryptographic components; manage annual self-classification reports and submission of encryption registration.
Ensure accurate and timely Electronic Export Information (EEI) filings through the Automated Export System (AES) for qualifying shipments.
Own and operate UKG's denied party and restricted entity screening process for hardware transactions.
Screen customers, distributors, end-users, and shipping destinations against OFAC SDN lists, BIS Entity List, and other applicable restricted party lists.
Serve as the decision point for screening hits and gray-area transactions. Coordinate with Legal on escalated cases and document disposition rationales.
Monitor changes to U.S. trade sanctions programs (OFAC, BIS, State Department) and assess impact on UKG hardware shipping operations. Communicate changes proactively to Logistics, Sales, and Legal.
Design and document UKG's export compliance program from the ground up — policies, standard operating procedures, decision trees, and escalation paths. Ensure the program is proportionate to UKG's risk profile and operationally practical.
Embed export compliance review into the Global Market Entry process. Ensure new country shipping decisions include a compliance gate before logistics commitments are made.
Assess export compliance implications of new hardware products and acquired product lines as they are brought into the UKG supply chain. Flag classification, licensing, or encryption issues early in the NPI process.
Evaluate export compliance implications of UKG's various in-country delivery models — including scenarios where hardware ships to a local UKG entity for re-shipment — and ensure each model operates within applicable regulations.
Develop and deliver export compliance training for internal stakeholders including Sales, Logistics, Finance, and Operations — focused on practical awareness rather than regulatory theory.
Create reference materials (country guides, quick-reference checklists, escalation flowcharts) that enable non-compliance teams to identify issues before they become violations.
Serve as the go-to resource for sales and operations teams evaluating new international hardware opportunities.
Maintain export compliance records in accordance with EAR recordkeeping requirements (5-year minimum). Ensure records are organized and audit-ready at all times.
Conduct periodic internal audits of export transactions and screening processes; report findings and remediation plans to the Senior Director and Legal.
Lead investigation and remediation of potential export violations, including voluntary self-disclosure (VSD) to BIS or OFAC where appropriate, in coordination with Legal.
Partner with Legal on importer-of-record obligations, country-specific regulatory requirements, and complex transaction review.
Work closely with Logistics Manager and Depot Repair Manager to ensure shipment documentation, freight forwarding instructions, and return logistics comply with export regulations.
Collaborate with Finance on duty classification, tariff impacts, and cost of compliance for new market entry decisions.
Work closely with Hardware Engineering team on Product Compliance information, testing, and certification.