Trade Compliance Specialist, North America

Smith & Nephew•Austin, TX

64d•$95,000 - $142,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Are you a strategic thinker who thrives on solving complex problems and building trusted partnerships? As a Senior Trade Compliance Specialist for North America, you'll play a vital role in ensuring our products move compliantly and efficiently across U.S. and Canadian borders. This role is more than regulatory oversight-it's about being a proactive business partner, identifying risks, and guiding teams through change with clarity and diplomacy. Join Smith+Nephew and help us deliver life-changing technology while protecting the integrity of our global supply chain.

Requirements

Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trust and influence across functions.
A diplomatic and tactful communicator who can navigate sensitive topics and drive alignment without direct authority.
Proven collaborator in matrixed environments, with a strategic mindset and relationship-building strengths.
Detail-oriented, ethical, and proactive-able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, regulated setting.
Comfortable working independently while knowing when to seek input or escalate with professionalism.
Committed to continuous learning, improvement, and challenging the status quo.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade, Legal, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 5 to 7 years of hands-on experience in Global Trade Compliance, with a focus on North America.
Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian trade laws, USMCA, and regulatory requirements.
Experience managing customs brokers and working with regulatory authorities.
Fluent in English with effective verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with trade compliance platforms such as SAP GTS, Amber Road, MIC, or Descartes is strongly preferred.
Customs Broker License or certifications such as CUSECO or CCS.
Experience with digital transformation and automation in trade compliance.

Responsibilities

Act as the Trade Compliance expert for North America, ensuring smooth and lawful cross-border movement of goods.
Partner with cross-functional teams to assess trade risks, support regulatory changes, and maintain business continuity.
Monitor end-to-end trade flows, resolve issues, and manage key compliance areas like classification, valuation, and licensing.
Lead audits, training, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen compliance programs.
Communicate with customs brokers, U.S. CBP, and external consultants with professionalism and diplomacy.
Support strategic projects including C-TPAT, duty drawback, and digital trade tools.