Trade Compliance Manager

Job Title: Trade Compliance Manager - Logistics & Audit

Department: Supply Chain / Logistics / Compliance

Reports To: Head of Supply Chain / Chief Compliance Officer

Location: [Insert Location]

Job Summary

The Trade Compliance Manager - Logistics & Audit is responsible for ensuring that all import, export, customs clearance, and logistics activities comply with applicable local and international trade regulations, customs laws, and company policies. The role oversees trade compliance audits, identifies potential risks, implements corrective actions, and ensures accurate documentation and adherence to regulatory requirements throughout the supply chain.

The position works closely with logistics, procurement, finance, legal, warehouse, and external customs brokers to maintain efficient operations while minimizing regulatory, financial, and operational risks.

Key Responsibilities

1. Trade Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable import/export regulations, customs laws, international trade requirements, and company policies.
• Monitor changes in customs legislation, trade restrictions, sanctions, export controls, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Ensure accurate product classification using HS codes and verify customs valuation, country of origin, and applicable duties and taxes.
• Oversee import and export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, permits, and customs declarations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable preferential trade agreements and rules of origin.
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities, customs offices, and external trade compliance consultants when required.
• Develop and maintain trade compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.

2. Logistics & Customs Operations

• Monitor international shipments, customs clearance, freight forwarding, and delivery processes to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
• Review logistics documentation and customs declarations for accuracy and completeness.
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping agents, and logistics service providers.
• Identify and resolve customs clearance issues, shipment delays, documentation discrepancies, and regulatory violations.
• Evaluate logistics costs, customs duties, demurrage, detention, and other related expenses.
• Collaborate with supply chain and warehouse teams to ensure proper handling, storage, and movement of imported and exported goods.
• Support the implementation of efficient logistics processes while maintaining regulatory compliance.

3. Trade Compliance Audits & Risk Management

• Plan and conduct periodic internal audits of import/export transactions, customs declarations, shipping documentation, and logistics processes.
• Review customs duties, tax calculations, freight invoices, broker charges, and supporting documents to identify discrepancies or potential overpayments.
• Assess compliance risks and identify control weaknesses across the supply chain.
• Prepare audit reports detailing findings, root causes, risk exposure, and recommended corrective actions.
• Follow up on corrective and preventive action plans to ensure timely implementation.
• Maintain audit trails and supporting documentation for internal reviews and regulatory inspections.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors during compliance assessments and investigations.

4. Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to trade compliance, customs clearance, logistics costs, audit findings, and regulatory incidents.
• Prepare periodic management reports highlighting compliance status, risks, audit results, and improvement opportunities.
• Track customs penalties, shipment delays, documentation errors, and compliance incidents.
• Recommend process improvements to reduce costs, improve accuracy, and strengthen internal controls.

5. Stakeholder Management & Training

• Work closely with procurement, finance, legal, sales, logistics, and warehouse teams to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain.
• Train relevant employees on customs regulations, trade compliance procedures, documentation requirements, and audit controls.
• Manage relationships with customs authorities, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other external stakeholders.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience in trade compliance, international logistics, customs operations, or supply chain audit, including experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Strong knowledge of import/export regulations, customs procedures, HS classification, customs valuation, and rules of origin.
• Experience conducting internal audits, assessing compliance risks, and implementing corrective actions.
• Knowledge of international trade controls, sanctions, and restricted-party screening, where applicable.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle and customs or logistics management systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, reporting, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to coordinate across multiple departments.

Key Competencies

• Trade and customs compliance expertise
• Logistics and supply chain management
• Internal audit and risk assessment
• Regulatory interpretation and implementation
• Data analysis and reporting
• Process improvement and internal controls
• Leadership and team management
• Attention to detail and problem-solving

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Trade compliance audit findings and closure rate.
• Number of customs penalties and regulatory violations.
• Accuracy of customs declarations and shipping documentation.
• Customs clearance lead time.
• Reduction in avoidable logistics costs, duties, and penalties.
• Timely completion of compliance audits and corrective actions.
• Compliance training completion rate.
• Accuracy of HS codes, customs valuation, and origin declarations.

Working Relationships

• Supply Chain and Logistics
• Procurement and Finance
• Legal and Corporate Compliance
• Warehouse and Operations
• Internal and External Audit
• Customs Authorities and Regulatory Bodies
• Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers