Head of Global Trade Compliance

Semtech • San Jose, CA

3d • $250,000 - $275,000

About The Position

The Head of Global Trade Compliance is a senior leadership position responsible for directing and managing all international trade compliance activities for Semtech's global semiconductor business. This position develops and implements comprehensive trade compliance strategies, export control programs, and regulatory frameworks that ensure adherence to complex international trade regulations while enabling strategic business operations across global markets. The role requires expert knowledge of export controls, sanctions regulations, customs compliance, and semiconductor industry trade dynamics, combined with strong leadership skills and strategic business acumen to establish world-class compliance programs that protect corporate integrity and enable competitive advantage. The Head of Global Trade Compliance partners with senior leadership, business units, legal counsel, and government agencies to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes, manage trade-related risks, and support Semtech's global growth objectives while maintaining the highest standards of compliance excellence and corporate responsibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field required
• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in international trade compliance with at least 5+ years in leadership roles
• Deep expertise in export controls (EAR, ITAR), sanctions regulations (OFAC), customs compliance, and semiconductor industry trade requirements
• Experience managing global trade compliance programs in technology or manufacturing industries
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing compliance teams
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and international trade regulations, licensing processes, and government agency procedures
• Expert knowledge of U.S. export control regulations (EAR, ITAR), sanctions programs (OFAC), customs regulations, and antiboycott laws
• Deep understanding of semiconductor technology, dual-use controls, emerging technology restrictions, and critical technology regulations
• Strong leadership skills with ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels and geographic regions
• Strategic thinking with business acumen to align compliance requirements with commercial objectives
• Excellent program management capabilities with experience leading enterprise-wide initiatives
• Superior communication and presentation skills for engaging with senior executives, government officials, and cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and risk assessment capabilities
• Experience with trade compliance software systems, screening tools, and technology solutions
• Ability to navigate ambiguous regulatory environments and provide practical, business-enabling compliance guidance
• Experience managing regulatory agency interactions, license applications, and government audits
• Knowledge of international trade compliance frameworks in key markets (EU, Asia-Pacific, Americas)

Nice To Haves

• Professional certifications highly valued (e.g., Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer, Licensed Customs Broker, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Global Trade Compliance Strategy and Program Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive global trade compliance strategies, policies, and operational frameworks aligned with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements Establish export control programs, sanctions compliance systems, and customs management processes across all business units and geographic regions Design innovative compliance solutions to address complex semiconductor trade regulations, emerging technology controls, and evolving geopolitical dynamics Lead the development of trade compliance key performance indicators, risk metrics, and program effectiveness measures Ensure alignment between trade compliance strategies and broader business initiatives, risk management frameworks, and corporate governance systems
• Export Controls and Technology Transfer Management: Direct export control classification programs for semiconductor products, technology, and software across all product lines Establish licensing strategies, authorization processes, and technology transfer controls for controlled items and destinations Lead implementation of deemed export controls, foreign national access programs, and technology security measures Oversee license application preparation, government liaison activities, and regulatory agency engagement Develop and maintain export classification databases, licensing tracking systems, and authorization management processes Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC sanctions, and other applicable export control regulations
• Sanctions Compliance and Restricted Party Screening: Establish comprehensive sanctions compliance programs addressing OFAC, BIS, and international sanctions regimes Direct restricted party screening operations, denied party list management, and customer due diligence processes Lead development of sanctions risk assessment frameworks, screening protocols, and transaction review procedures Oversee sanctioned countries/regions compliance, specially designated nationals (SDN) management, and sectoral sanctions analysis Coordinate with sales, supply chain, and finance teams on transaction screening and sanctions compliance requirements
• Customs Compliance and Global Trade Operations: Direct customs compliance programs including classification, valuation, country of origin determination, and duty management Establish import/export documentation requirements, customs broker management, and trade facilitation processes Lead free trade agreement utilization strategies, preferential trade program implementation, and duty optimization initiatives Oversee customs audit readiness, recordkeeping requirements, and regulatory reporting obligations Develop customs compliance training programs and operational guidance for supply chain and logistics teams
• Trade Compliance Training, Awareness, and Culture: Lead development and delivery of comprehensive trade compliance training programs for employees, management, and business partners Establish compliance awareness initiatives, communication strategies, and knowledge management systems Create role-specific training modules addressing export controls, sanctions, customs, and antiboycott compliance Implement compliance certification programs, competency assessments, and ongoing education requirements Foster a culture of compliance excellence, ethical behavior, and regulatory awareness across the global organization
• Risk Management, Auditing, and Continuous Improvement: Establish trade compliance risk assessment frameworks, internal audit programs, and monitoring systems Direct compliance reviews, vulnerability assessments, and corrective action implementations Lead investigations of potential compliance violations, voluntary self-disclosures, and remediation activities Develop metrics and reporting systems to track compliance performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement Coordinate with internal audit, legal, and risk management teams on integrated compliance oversight
• Government Relations and Regulatory Engagement: Serve as primary liaison with U.S. and international regulatory agencies including BIS, OFAC, CBP, and DDTC Lead engagement with government officials on regulatory interpretations, licensing matters, and policy developments Participate in industry associations, trade compliance forums, and regulatory working groups Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting semiconductor trade and technology controls Represent trade compliance function in interactions with senior leadership, board committees, and external stakeholders

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees