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.

Job Summary:
The Trade Compliance Manager leads Xylem’s regional trade compliance function, ensuring adherence to all applicable import, export, and customs regulations. This role manages a team of three trade compliance specialists and partners closely with internal stakeholders, customs brokers, and government authorities to maintain robust trade governance and enable efficient, compliant global operations. The Manager ensures that the organization’s policies and procedures are in line with legal requirements and best practices.
Responsibilities:
Leadership & Management:
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of three Trade Compliance Specialists, fostering professional growth, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Build strong partnerships across procurement, logistics, supply chain, finance, and engineering teams to align trade compliance strategy with business priorities.
• Drive a culture of compliance, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing within the organization.

Customs & Import/Export Compliance:
• Oversee import and export activities to ensure compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations, including CBP, EAR, ITAR, OFAC, and other applicable authorities.
• Manage relationships with licensed U.S. customs brokers, ensuring accurate and timely entry filings, proper HTS classification, and valuation.
• Ensure documentation accuracy for all import/export transactions, including commercial invoices, country-of-origin declarations, and licensing requirements.
• Provide expert guidance on tariff classifications, ECCN determinations, and free trade agreement (FTA/USMCA) qualifications.
• Develop and maintain internal trade compliance policies, SOPs, and recordkeeping standards consistent with corporate governance and regulatory requirements.
Advisory & Risk Management:
• Serve as a subject matter expert advising business leaders on trade compliance implications of new projects, supply chain changes, and cross-border initiatives.
• Monitor evolving global trade regulations and assess potential business impact, communicating updates to key stakeholders.
• Support audits and investigations, coordinate with internal/external auditors, and manage corrective actions when necessary.
• Provide guidance and support to teams on risk management best practices.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies, including denied party screening, export control checks, and proper licensing.
Continuous Improvement & Digitalization:
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate trade compliance processes through ERP integration and data analytics.
• Lead or participate in corporate trade compliance initiatives, including global process harmonization and training.
• Support ERP implementation related to trade master data, HS/ECCN assignment, and trade control modules.
High Impact Behaviors:
• Strategic Decision Making: A manager must be able to assess complex situations, consider long-term implications, and make decisions that align with the organization’s vision and goals. This involves critical thinking, foresight, and the ability to balance various stakeholders’ interests.
• Effective Communication: Clear and transparent communication is vital for a manager. This includes articulating vision, expectations, and feedback in a way that motivates and engages team members. It also involves active listening and openness to input from all levels of the organization.
• Fostering Team Growth: A high impact manager invests in the development of their team members. This behavior includes mentoring, providing opportunities for professional growth, and creating an environment where continuous learning is encouraged and valued.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, or related field (Master’s preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in trade compliance or customs operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of U.S. and global trade regulations (CBP, EAR, ITAR, OFAC, BIS, etc.).
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA) and trade compliance tools (e.g., Amber Road, SAP GTS).

• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, leadership and communication skills.
• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (preferred) or equivalent international trade certification (e.g., CUSECO, CCS).

The estimated salary range for this position is $93,900.00 - 125,000.00 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, and Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

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.