Global Trade Manager

Forterra • Arlington, VA

3d • $130,000 - $150,000 • 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 supporting international programs; maintains accurate classifications; guides Growth, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management through controlled transactions; and protects the company’s ability to conduct business internationally. It combines licensing and shipment work with program ownership, including policy, training, auditing, and continuous improvement. The manager is expected to have one direct report and may supervise and develop additional trade compliance specialists as the function grows.

Forterra’s business centers on software, technical data, and integrated autonomy kits, so the role requires understanding of technology and deemed-export controls as well as hardware exports. The position is on-site in Arlington, Virginia, with up to 10% travel required. It 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 export licenses and agreements (DSP-5, DSP-73, DSP-61, TAAs, MLAs, and WDAs) through DECCS and Department of Commerce licenses through SNAP-R; track statuses, provisos, amendments, and expirations, and report updates 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—including 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 concerning foreign-person access to controlled technical data, including technology control plans, deemed exports, IT access, and collaboration tools.
• Advise on trade compliance for foreign visits and international travel, including export restrictions applying to technical data and equipment employees present or carry abroad.
• Coordinate with Shipping, Receiving, and Purchasing to ensure international shipments have the correct authorization and documentation and that required EEI/AES filings are completed.
• 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 risks 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 satisfying ITAR, EAR, CBP, and FAR/DFARS retention requirements.
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess effects on Forterra’s products, markets, and procedures.
• Engage outside trade counsel and consultants as needed.
• Identify program 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 these responsibilities as the function grows.

Benefits

• Equity is included in most full-time, high-demand roles as part of the overall compensation package.
• Premium healthcare benefits with three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan; Forterra covers 80% of plan premiums for employees 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 employees and dependents.
• Company holiday calendar, including a winter break in December.
• 20 days of PTO accrued per year.
• At least seven weeks of fully paid parental leave for birth or adoption.
• Annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend of $9,000.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral options, plus company match up to 4%.
• Stocked beverage refrigerators.

What This Job Offers

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