Director of Trade Compliance - North America (Unit

at Senior Flexonics in Bartlett, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Company Description
Who is Senior plc?
Senior plc is an international, market-leading, engineering solutions provider with 21 operational business in 10 countries. Senior designs, manufactures and markets high-technology components and systems for the principal original equipment producers in the worldwide aerospace, defense, land vehicle and power & energy markets. The Group is split into two divisions, Aerospace and Flexonics, servicing five key sectors.
Safety - Integrity - Customer Focus - Respect & Trust - Accountability - ExcellenceJob Description
Senior plc is a global manufacturer of high technology fluid conveyance and thermal management components and systems principally for OEMs in the aerospace & defense, land vehicle, and power & energy markets. Operating through 21 businesses across 10 countries, Senior is organized into two divisions-Aerospace and Flexonics-and is known for its decentralized, entrepreneurial culture rooted in accountability, operational excellence, and strong governance.
The Opportunity
Senior plc is seeking a Director of Trade Compliance - North America to provide strategic and operational compliance leadership across U.S., Canadian, and Mexican operations. This is a hands-on leadership role with principal responsibility for export, import, customs, and trade compliance programs, supporting both commercial and defense-related activities.
This role also serves as the company's Empowered Official (EO) under U.S. export control law (ITAR), holding legal authority for export authorizations and certifications related to defense and aerospace programs. The position partners closely with executive leadership and operating businesses to enable compliant, sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Lead the North American Trade Compliance program aligned with global governance and risk frameworks
Serve as the regional subject matter expert on international trade and regulatory compliance
Advise executive leadership and brief the Board as required on compliance performance, risks, and remediation
Export, Import & Customs Compliance
Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, including:
U.S.: ITAR, EAR, OFAC, CBP, ACE, CTPAT/OEA.
Canada: CGP, CBSA, Export Control List
Mexico: SAT, VUCEM, IMMEX Maquiladora program management
Oversee licensing, classification, valuation, documentation, and recordkeeping
Deliver training and compliance awareness across all levels of the organization
Trade Agreements & Optimization
Lead compliance and optimization under CUSMA / USMCA / T-MEC
Direct HTS classification, valuation, including the Reconciliation program, broker oversight, and duty recovery initiatives such as Chapter 98, FTZ and Bonded Whse opportunities.
Advise supply chain and procurement on landed cost, MFN tariff engineering, Section 301, 232, 122 and IEEPA tariffs and trade strategy
Empowered Official (ITAR)
Act as the designated Empowered Official under 22 CFR *120.25
Hold signing and certification authority for U.S. export licenses, TAAs, MLAs, and related authorizations
Exercise independent legal judgment to approve or deny export and re-export transactions
Serve as primary liaison with DDTC, BIS, OFAC, and other U.S. government agencies
Team Leadership & Program Development
Lead and mentor trade compliance professionals across the region
Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and internal controls
Implement automation and digital tools for licensing, audits, and analytics
Monitor regulatory changes and ensure timely implementation
Auditing, Risk & Governance
Conduct compliance audits across all North American sites
Develop standardized audit tools, metrics, and corrective action tracking
Support internal audit alignment, voluntary disclosures, and regulatory remediation
Lead trade compliance due diligence for M&A and business integrations
Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Law, Supply Chain, or International Trade
Minimum of 10 years of progressive trade compliance leadership across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Deep expertise in ITAR, EAR, OFAC, CBSA, SAT, and CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC
Experience with ACE (U.S.), CARM (Canada), and VUCEM... For full info follow application link.

Senior Operations is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EOE M/F/D/V/VEVRAA Federal Contractor.                                                                                                                                                                     

Access to our facility (and therefore, employment) is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents of the United States, and properly licensed foreign persons.