Senior Counsel, Trade Compliance

We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come… for our customers, our communities, and our planet. 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (ABL) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.  
 
We are positioned at the intersection of sustainability and technology. Our businesses develop technology that helps save our customers energy and reduce their carbon emissions. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications. 

Job Summary

As Senior Counsel, Global Customs and Trade Compliance, you will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and legal counsel on a wide range of global customs and trade compliance matters.  You will lead and mature the Company's trade compliance program, collaborating closely with internal and external business partners to advise on complex and rapidly evolving trade compliance regulations.  You will also partner with the internal Customs and Trade Operations team to ensure effective and compliant global customs and trade operations processes.  This new position in our growing Law and Business Environment team will report to the Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer.  

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Lead and manage the global trade compliance program to ensure the Company is in compliance with all applicable trade laws and regulations, including international export control laws and regulations- 30%
• Continually analyze evolving trade laws and regulations and their impact on strategy and operations, including export controls, deemed exports, sanctions and embargos, anti-boycott laws, product classifications, export licensing, product diversion, global trade contract provisions, and customs and import-related matters- 25%
• Own and manage the restricted party screening processes and technology, addressing and mitigating issues as they arise -10%
• Develop and deliver legal compliance training on global trade requirements, proposed rules or legislation, and new government programs and requirements- 10%
• Manage trade compliance issues relating to outside service providers, including freight forwarders- 10%
• Lead compliance analysis and efforts around classification, value, and country of origin, as well as, analyze and respond to external audits and inquiries- 10%
• Assist in due diligence of potential acquisitions and potential remediation/integration activities after acquisition - 5%

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• Proven ability to provide thoughtful and clear guidance to a variety of stakeholders, translating complex information into practical guidance            
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while developing collaborative relationships at all levels and departments in ways that enhance understanding, respect, cooperation, and problem solving            
• High level of interpersonal skills, communication skills, mature judgment, emotional intelligence, and independent thinking            
• Demonstrated experience with U.S. trade controls (EAR, ITAR, OFAC, Customs), as well as other global trade control regimes            
• Solid knowledge and experience with import and export requirements under Mexico's IMMEX program            
• Direct experience handling matters with federal agencies that regulate customs/trade            
• Experience in advising multinational businesses on trade compliance matters, including US export controls, imports/customs, sanctions and compliance program development    

Education (minimum education required)

Juris Doctor (JD) from a US accredited law school and admitted to practice in at least on US state    

 

Experience (minimum experience required)    
 9 to 12 years    

 

Preferred Experie