Overview In this Senior Director role, you will lead global trade compliance engagements and provide authoritative guidance on complex regulatory matters. You will supervise delivery teams, shape operating models, and ensure high standards of regulatory and client-focused quality. You'll stay ahead of regulatory developments, mitigate risk, and help clients navigate multi-jurisdictional trade regimes. This is a delivery-focused leadership opportunity at a firm known for strategic impact in high-risk environments.
Responsibilities- Lead and oversee multiple high-impact, global client engagements with strategic, operational, and financial accountability
- Provide expert guidance on U.S. and international trade laws, export controls, sanctions, tariff mitigation and policy developments
- Serve as senior technical advisor and final quality-control authority for complex analyses and filings
- Establish and improve standardized methodologies, controls, and QA processes
- Direct and develop Directors, Managers, and project teams to meet technical standards and timelines
- Design and operate trade compliance models (importer-of-record, broker management, entry, classification, valuation, origin, post-entry)
- Develop and deliver recurring and managed trade compliance services with scalable processes and governance
- Identify compliance risks and recommend actionable improvements
- Oversee service delivery against scope, milestones, and financial metrics
- Partner with MDs on business development and expanding client relationships
- Stay current on regulatory changes and translate into actionable guidance
- Represent FTI in client meetings and industry forums as a subject-matter expert
- Maintain accountability for engagement economics, staffing, budgets, and profitability
Key requirements- 12+ years in trade compliance, international trade, customs, or regulatory consulting with hands-on execution and leadership
- Proven ability to lead complex, multi-jurisdictional engagements
- Experience designing or managing trade compliance operating models or managed services
- Deep knowledge of U.S. and global customs, tariff classification, valuation, origin, and zone programs; understanding of export controls and sanctions
- Experience managing customs broker relationships and importer-of-record activities
- Ability to establish scalable processes, controls, SLAs, and performance metrics for client delivery
- Willingness to travel up to 25%
- Authorized to work in the United States (visa sponsorship not provided)
- Preferred: Licensed Customs Broker or equivalent certifications; CCS/CES certifications; experience with trade tech and data analytics; FTZ feasibility and governance
- leadership and people management
- excellent communication and relationship management
- problem solving and risk awareness
- deep expertise in U.S. and international customs laws, classification, valuation, origin, tariff mitigation
- Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs)
- import operations and broker governance