[Hiring] Trade Compliance Officer @Wurth Elektronik

Role Description

The Trade Compliance Officer will develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Global Export Compliance System, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations across multiple jurisdictions. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and cross-functional leadership to safeguard the company’s global supply chain from sourcing through selling.

• Travel: up to 20%
• Location: Watertown, SD preferred but can be remote in the US

Key Responsibilities

• Global Trade Compliance Leadership
  • Develop, implement, and manage a Global Export Compliance System aligned with international trade laws and company obligations.
  • Establish a multiregional compliance infrastructure that supports growth in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
  • Direct the creation of standard global trade compliance processes and workflows for regional operations.
• Regulatory Procedures & Documentation
  • Write, maintain, and continually improve trade compliance policies, SOPs, and work instructions.
  • Ensure documentation aligns with internal controls, current trade rules, and audit requirements.
• Import/Export Oversight
  • Audit global import and export transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper product classification.
  • Verify that brokers operate legally under Power of Attorney and meet all regulatory expectations.
  • Ensure OEMs, logistic partners, and carriers maintain adherence to all applicable customs and export regulations.
• End-User Controls & Authorization Management
  • Oversee End User and End-Use verification, screening, and authorization processes.
  • Maintain compliance with global sanction lists, restricted parties, and export control requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Training
  • Educate and train internal teams—including Supply Chain, Product Management, Sales, Operations, and Customer Support—on global trade compliance requirements for day-to-day activities.
  • Proactively engage with Product Management to design trade compliant product release and documentation processes.
  • Provide timely guidance and resolution for customer import/export inquiries.
• Monitoring & Regulatory Intelligence
  • Track and analyze ongoing changes to global import and export regulations, including tariffs, sanctions, customs valuation, classification rules, and material sourcing requirements.
  • Communicate regulatory impacts and recommend strategic adjustments to leadership.
• Operational Accountability
  • Ensure each warehouse and distribution node is operating in full compliance with applicable laws—from product sourcing through shipment to final customer delivery.
  • Maintain audit readiness and lead compliance reviews.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Legal Studies, Business Administration, or related field.
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in international trade compliance, preferably within electronics, technology, or manufacturing.
  • Strong working knowledge of U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ITAR, Customs regulations, and comparable global standards.
  • Experience managing global brokers, freight forwarders, and OEM partners.
  • Ability to write clear, concise procedures and communicate complex regulatory requirements to diverse teams.
• Preferred:
  • Experience supporting multinational operations in Europe and Asia.
  • Professional certifications (LPCO, CCS, CES, CUSECO, or similar).
  • Knowledge of HTS/ECCN classification for electronic components.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and investigative skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership
• Detail oriented with a high level of accountability
• Ability to work independently and lead globally distributed teams
• Strategic mindset with hands-on operational capability

Benefits

• Full benefit package that includes Basic Life, Vision, and Short- and Long-Term Disability provided by the Company at no cost to you.
• Medical, Dental, Additional Life Insurance and Vision insurance for employee and family.
• Identity Theft Protection, and Legal Services Benefit available at group rates through payroll deduction.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan, Flexible Spending and Dependent Day Care Accounts available.
• Benefits are available the first of the month following the hire date except for Short- and Long-Term Disability that have a 60-day waiting period.