Director, Trade Compliance

Responsible for providing leadership, subject matter expertise, advice and guidance on import and export compliance matters to AAR’s International Trade Program.  Manages import clearances, export authorizations, and appropriate compliance documentation maintaining oversight and validation of the Company’s operations in compliance with international trade regulations.  

This position is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Wood Dale, IL, with a planned relocation to the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027.

What you will be responsible for: 

• Provide guidance and training to company personnel regarding trade regulatory compliance in the strategy, proposal, development and execution of company operations. 
• Collaborate with management and other business units to ensure effective support to all operating locations.  
• Manage company import and export control classification activity, including HTS and ECCNs.  
• Work with and manage International Trade staff globally and lead people, projects, and process improvements.  
• Manages and guides third party vendors for Trade Compliance support, such as Customs Brokers and software solutions providers.
• Manages communication and builds effective relationships with these groups.  
• Draft, execute, and manage import and export authorizations, and manage other Trade Compliance matters to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.  
• Manage and approve company use of ITAR exemptions and EAR exceptions for the export of products and technical data.  
• Review, ensure and assess business unit compliance for import and export activity, including deemed exports, transactional reviews, and cross functional process support.  
• Stay current analyze and interpret trade compliance laws and regulations such as the ITAR, EAR, OFAC, BATFE, and relevant applicable
• International Regulations and implement industry best practices in accordance with those laws and regulations.  
• Utilize tools including but not limited to DECCS, Snap-R, and ACE and provide assistance in training and resolving issues and errors.
• Able to serve as an Empowered Official.  
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.  

• Attention to detail is required and must be able to work under general direction, plan, schedule and arrange own activities in accomplishing department objectives. Work will be reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting compliance goals.  
• Must be a self-starter and able to work under minimal supervision.
• Strong project management and conflict resolution skills preferred
• Strong planning, organization, analytical, leadership, interpersonal, decision making, oral and written communication skills preferred.
• Problem solving skills preferred: Develops solutions to a variety of complex problems. May refer to established policies and precedent cases. Must be able to work effectively with all programs within the Business Unit to help fulfill their requirements.
• Licensed Customs Broker (preferred)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Logistics, International Trade, International Business, Engineering, or other related area or minimum 10 years Global Trade Compliance (Import, Export, or both) experience 
• Thorough working knowledge of ITAR/EAR, sanctions compliance, import/export government regulations (required)
• Demonstratable experience in trade classifications (required)
• Familiarity with on-line tools such as DECCS, Snap-R, and ACE (required)
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (required)
• Certified US Export Compliance Officer (preferred)
• Conversational Spa