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.

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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.

Market Intelligence Report

International Trade Compliance Manager is part of the Compliance category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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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

Take BIS ‘Complying with U.S. Export Controls’ and SIA/AAEI seminars; document learnings in a compliance playbook.

Earn a recognized credential (CUSECO or CCS) and complete a GTM system course (e.g., SAP GTS basics).

Create a portfolio: classify 20 products (HTS/ECCN), draft a denied-party screening SOP, and outline a licensing decision tree.