Global Trade Manager

Forterra • Arlington, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Forterra is seeking a Global Trade Manager to own the day-to-day operation of its export and import compliance program and serve as the company’s primary trade compliance authority. The role coordinates licensing for products, software, and technical data for international programs; maintains accurate classifications; advises Growth, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management on controlled transactions; and supports the company’s ability to conduct business abroad. It combines licensing and shipment work with ownership of compliance policies, training, auditing, and continuous improvement. The manager is expected to have one direct report. Forterra’s business focuses on software, technical data, and integrated autonomy kits, so the role calls for understanding of technology and deemed-export controls as well as hardware exports.

The Global Trade Manager manages export licensing and authorizations, classification and technology controls, export shipments and imports, restricted-party screening and due diligence, and trade-compliance support for business development, programs, demonstrations, and trade shows. The position also owns the trade compliance program’s policies, training, audits, investigations, recordkeeping, regulatory monitoring, outside-advisor engagement, tools, and ongoing improvement. The role is on-site in Arlington, Virginia, with up to 10% travel required and may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Trade, Law, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Eight or more years of export and import compliance experience.
• Deep knowledge of 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 assistance from 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 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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, such as restricted-party screening and classification tools, and ERP integration.
• Experience at a company operating 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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and manage Department of State licenses and agreements (DSP-5, DSP-73, DSP-61, TAAs, MLAs, and WDAs) through DECCS and Department of Commerce licenses through SNAP-R; track status, provisos, amendments, and expirations and report status to internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit Commodity Jurisdiction requests, advisory opinions, and general correspondence to DDTC and BIS.
• Maintain Forterra’s DDTC registration and other U.S. Government registrations, permits, and authorizations required by the business.
• Determine and maintain export and import classifications (USML category, ECCN, HTS, and Schedule B) for hardware, software, and technical data, with assistance from outside counsel and/or consultants; keep the classification database current.
• Guide compliance with foreign-person access to controlled technical data, including technology control plans, deemed exports, IT access, and collaboration tools.
• Provide trade compliance guidance for foreign visits and international travel, including restrictions on technical data and equipment employees present or carry abroad.
• Partner with Shipping, Receiving, and Purchasing to ensure international shipments have the correct authorization and documentation and the required EEI/AES filing.
• Oversee import compliance, including customs broker management, entry review, valuation, country of origin, and recordkeeping; investigate and resolve shipments held or seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Conduct restricted-party screening, end-use and end-user checks, and risk-based due diligence on foreign customers, partners, and suppliers, including OFAC sanctions review.
• Advise International Business Development and Program Management on licensing strategy, timelines, and risk for new pursuits.
• Coordinate licensing and approvals for international trade shows, demonstrations, and temporary exports and imports.
• Revise, implement, and update Forterra’s trade compliance manual, procedures, and work instructions.
• Develop and deliver export and import compliance training and maintain training records.
• Conduct internal audits, investigate potential violations, and prepare voluntary disclosures with outside counsel when warranted.
• Maintain records that satisfy ITAR, EAR, CBP, and FAR/DFARS retention requirements.
• Track regulatory changes and assess their effects on Forterra’s products, markets, and procedures.
• Engage outside trade counsel and consultants as needed.
• Identify compliance gaps, recommend solutions to senior leadership, implement approved changes, and report progress.
• Evaluate and administer trade compliance software and tools.
• Supervise and develop trade compliance specialists to manage and assist with responsibilities as the function grows.

Benefits

• Equity is included in most full-time, high-demand roles and is considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package.
• Three premium healthcare plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of plan premiums for the employee and dependents.
• Basic life/AD&D and short- and long-term disability insurance plans fully covered by Forterra, with the option to purchase additional life insurance for the employee and dependents.
• Company holiday calendar, including a winter break in December.
• 20 days of paid time off accrued per year.
• At least seven weeks of fully paid parental leave for birth or adoption.
• $9,000 annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators.
• 401(k) plan with traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral options, with company match up to 4%.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior