Global Trade Compliance Specialist

We are looking for a senior Global Trade/Customs Compliance professional (7–10+ years) who has experience building and managing global trade compliance programs in a manufacturing, electronics, or semiconductor environment.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in at least 2 of these areas:

• CTPAT / AEO / Supply Chain Security
• Dangerous Goods / IATA / Hazmat
• Customs & Trade Compliance
• Supply Chain Sustainability

They should also be experienced with CBP/regulatory authorities, audits, risk assessments, certifications, governance, and program development.

Strong plus:

Customs Broker license, DGR certification, PMP/CUSECO, and experience using AI/automation/data analytics to improve trade compliance processes.

• Design and lead end-to-end program management for customs trade program initiatives including Supply Chain Security, Sustainability, and Dangerous Goods — with the agility to onboard additional customs programs.
• Drive Western Digital to secure and maintain CTPAT Trade Compliance certification; support global sites in securing and/or retaining AEO certifications.
• Serve as primary liaison with CBP and other regulatory bodies; manage communications, audits, and escalations.
• Scale and automate WD's Global Dangerous Goods program; embed DGR requirements into operational workflows across business units.
• Evaluate and deploy AI-powered tools to streamline trade program workflows — including document classification, shipment screening, and audit preparation — across all managed programs.
• Integrate sustainability requirements into supply chain operations, ensuring alignment with internal ESG goals and external regulatory obligations.
• Institute robust governance models for all managed programs; participate actively in industry associations to benchmark and enhance program value.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities across the supply chain trade programs portfolio.
• Leverage AI-assisted monitoring tools to continuously scan for regulatory changes, supply chain anomalies, and emerging trade program risks in real time.
• Monitor regulatory developments (CTPAT, IATA/Hazmat, sustainability mandates, customs regulations) and proactively adapt programs to remain in good standing.
• Develop and maintain an Internal Control Program to ensure systemic trade program adherence across all program areas.
• Maintain readiness for regulatory inquiries, third-party audits, and certification renewals.
• Act as a thought leader — define the strategic roadmap for each trade program, balancing near-term deliverables with long-term scalability.
• Identify and implement technology solutions to automate manual processes, reduce cost, and improve program effectiveness.
• Champion responsible AI adoption within trade program operations — define guardrails, evaluate vendor AI tools, and ensure AI use aligns with regulatory expectations and internal governance standards.
• Partner with IT and data teams to build AI/ML-powered dashboards and analytics that surface trade program trends, predict risk, and support executive decision-making.
• Analyze program performance data to surface improvement opportunities; drive structured continuous improvement cycles.
• Proactively identify adjacent customs trade program domains (e.g., trade programs, duty management, origin programs) and develop business cases to expand the program portfolio.
• Design and deliver role-specific training programs for employees, suppliers, and stakeholders across all trade program domains.
• Incorporate AI literacy into trade program training — educating teams on how to use AI tools responsibly within regulatory workflows and what AI cannot replace.
• Champion a culture of trade program awareness and security awareness throughout the organization.
• Develop accessible playbooks, reference materials, and e-learning content to scale trade program knowledge.
• Partner closely with Logistics, Legal, IT, Finance, and Business Unit teams to embed trade program requirements into business operations seamlessly.
• Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other external partners to ensure supply chain-wide adherence.
• Represent the organization in industry forums, regulatory working groups, and with government agencies.
• Maintain comprehensive records of program activities: audits, risk assessments, certifications, and training.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory filings and reports to CBP and other relevant authorities.
• Provide executive-level reporting on program status, risks, and KPIs.