Senior Trade Compliance Manager

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Trade Compliance Manager to lead and enhance global trade compliance operations in support of a dynamic international business environment. This role is responsible for overseeing import/export compliance programs, managing regulatory risk, empowering business operations, and ensuring compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations.

The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in U.S. Customs, export controls, sanctions regulations, tariff classification, free trade agreements, and trade automation systems. This individual will partner cross-functionally with legal, supply chain, procurement, logistics, engineering, finance, and commercial teams to drive compliant and efficient global trade operations.

This hybrid role may be based in either Raleigh or Charlotte, NC, with periodic domestic and international travel as required.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Compliance Program Management

• Lead and maintain the Xylem’s global trade compliance program, policies, procedures, and controls.

• Ensure compliance with U.S. import/export laws and regulations, including:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

  • Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

  • International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

  • Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

  • Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR)

• Monitor regulatory changes and assess operational impacts across the organization.

• Support customs audits, prior disclosures, focused assessments, and government inquiries.

• Support evaluation and implementation of duty savings opportunities.

Export Compliance

• Support export control classification activities and required license applications.

• Provide guidance on technology transfers, deemed exports, encryption controls, and sanctions.

• Support export policies, processes and strategies in support of global business initiatives while minimizing regulatory risk.

Risk Management & Auditing

• Conduct internal trade compliance audits and risk assessments.

• Support development of trade compliance metrics, dashboards, and reporting for leadership.

• Lead investigations related to potential compliance violations and coordinate remediation efforts.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the enterprise and business stakeholders on global trade matters.

• Collaborate with supply chain, procurement, logistics, legal, finance, and engineering teams to integrate and execute compliance strategies.

• Support trade compliance training and awareness programs across the organization.

• Support M&A integration activities and new business initiatives involving international trade.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Support and optimize trade compliance automation tools and ERP integrations (e.g., SAP GTS).

• Drive process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and compliance effectiveness.

• Assist in evaluating AI-driven trade compliance and classification technologies.

Key Competencies:

• Developed leadership ability, with the capacity to form, develop, and motivate project teams. Strong mentoring and coaching skills. Exceptional project management skills.

• Self-starter with the ability to leverage efforts through effective involvement of individuals and resources from outside the immediate team.

• Strong ability to identify and adapt best practices from other organizations, with an external focus to stay informed about industry trends and developments.

• Motivation to push projects through to solution and implementation, while being cognizant of time and budget constraints. The ideal candidate will bring energy, drive, and focus to the role.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and ability to work across and with different cultures.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA in International Business, Supply Chain, Legal Studies, Business Admin, or related field.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in global trade compliance.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. import/export regulations and international trade requirements.

• Experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external compliance partners.

• Demonstrated experience with tariff classification, export controls, sanctions, and customs valuation.

• Experience conducting audits, investigations, and compliance risk assessments.

• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in export processes, controls, and requirements strongly preferred.

• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) certification preferred.

• Experience with SAP GTS.

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, technology, aerospace, medical device, or energy industries.

• Familiarity with global trade data analytics and AI-enabled classification tools.

• Master’s degree or relevant trade compliance certifications preferred.

Work Environment & Travel

• Hybrid work schedule with flexibility to work from Raleigh or Charlotte, NC offices.

• Occasional domestic and international travel (approximately 10–20%).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary and annual bonus opportunity.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Paid time off and company holidays.

• Professional development and certification support.

• Flexible hybrid work environment.

The estimated salary range for this position is $105,000 to $120,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range.  At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement. 

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Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.