International Trade Compliance Manager

Career Guide
Leads a company’s import/export compliance program, ensuring shipments, technology transfers, and business partners meet U.S. and international trade laws. Oversees product classification, licensing, screening, audits, training, and responses to government inquiries.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and maintain export/import compliance program and policies
  • Classify products (HTS, Schedule B, ECCN) and maintain control matrix
  • Manage export licensing, exemptions, and technology release controls
  • Conduct denied party screening and sanctions risk checks (OFAC)
  • Oversee customs valuation, origin, and FTA eligibility determinations
  • Direct brokers/forwarders; ensure accurate AES filings and entries
  • Lead internal audits, corrective actions, and compliance training
  • Monitor regulatory changes; interface with CBP, BIS, DDTC, and OFAC

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Director of Global Trade Compliance
Export Controls Director
Head of Trade & Sanctions Compliance
Global Customs & Trade Director
Transition Opportunities
Global Logistics Manager
Customs Manager
Sanctions Compliance Manager
Trade Compliance Consultant

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Accurate HTS/ECCN classificationEAR/ITAR licensing and technology control planningDenied party and sanctions screening workflow designCustoms valuation and country-of-origin determinationsUse of GTM tools (e.g., SAP GTS) for automation and recordkeeping
Development SuggestionsComplete BIS ‘Complying with U.S. Export Controls’ and CBP HTS classification training; build a sample classification matrix and screening procedure using real product data.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$90,000-$115,000
Mid Level$115,000-$145,000
Senior Level$145,000-$185,000
Growth Trend
growing

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Lockheed MartinHoneywellIntel
Industry Sectors
Aerospace & DefenseManufacturingTechnology Hardware & SemiconductorsLogistics & Freight Forwarding

Recommended Next Steps

1
Take BIS ‘Complying with U.S. Export Controls’ and SIA/AAEI seminars; document learnings in a compliance playbook.
2
Earn a recognized credential (CUSECO or CCS) and complete a GTM system course (e.g., SAP GTS basics).
3
Create a portfolio: classify 20 products (HTS/ECCN), draft a denied-party screening SOP, and outline a licensing decision tree.