Director, Global Trade Compliance

What we need 

Symbotic is seeking a Director, Global Trade Compliance to define, lead, and scale the company’s global trade compliance strategy and operating model in support of complex automation system delivery and after-sales operations. This role is accountable for the design, effectiveness, and execution of the enterprise-wide trade compliance program, ensuring alignment with business growth, operational performance, and regulatory requirements. This role will translate regulatory requirements into scalable, business-enabled capabilities, embedding trade compliance into supply chain execution, product lifecycle processes, and global operations. This role will serve as a strategic advisor to leadership, balancing risk management with speed and efficiency in a fast-paced, project-based environment. 

What we do 

At Symbotic, the Supply Chain organization manages project-based planning and material execution for highly customized automation systems deployed across multiple customer sites. This includes coordinating material flow, logistics, and supply execution to support installation and commissioning activities. The Trade Compliance function plays a critical role in enabling this work by ensuring compliant, efficient cross-border movement of goods, supporting both project execution and ongoing service operations. This function partners closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Legal, and external providers to ensure trade compliance is embedded across all aspects of the business. 

What you’ll do 

• Define and lead Symbotic’s global trade compliance strategy, governance, and program execution across all regions, aligned with business growth, operational priorities, and risk tolerance 

• Build and scale a global trade compliance program, including operating model, governance frameworks, escalation pathways, and capability roadmap 

• Define and drive the enterprise strategy for global trade management systems, ensuring successful deployment, adoption, and continuous optimization 

• Establish and enforce enterprise-wide policies, standards, and internal controls for import/export compliance, including tariff and export control classification valuation, country of origin, sanctions screening, and licensing 

• Ensure compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations and partner government agency requirements 

• Embed trade compliance into ERP systems, workflows, data structures, and automation strategies to enable scalable and consistent execution 

• Integrate trade compliance into supply chain execution, product development, and change management by partnering with Production Control, Sourcing, Engineering, and Operations teams 

• Lead export controls program, including denied/restricted party screening, sanctions compliance, end-use due diligence, and technology/data transfer controls 

• Oversee import and export operations, including import entry processing, export transaction review and clearance, and regulatory requirements management 

• Drive international trade strategy, including utilization of preferential trade programs duty optimization, and tariff mitigation 

• Govern customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external partners, including performance management, standardization, and audit oversight 

• Ensure compliance across installation and service operations, including temporary imports, commissioning activities, spare parts flow, and repair/return (RMA) processes 

• Own trade compliance data integrity within enterprise systems, ensuring accurate classification, valuation, and country of origin data 

• Develop and lead internal audit and controls programs, including risk assessments, documentation standards, corrective actions, and continuous monitoring of global risk exposure 

• Define and track KPIs and performance metrics to measure compliance effectiveness, risk exposure, and operational impact 

• Drive continuous improvement in data quality, process efficiency, control effectiveness, and overall program scalability 

• Serve as the primary interface with government agencies, auditors, and regulatory bodies globally 

• Act as the executive escalation point for complex, high-risk, or time-sensitive trade compliance decisions, balancing regulatory requirements with business needs 

• Ensure global alignment of trade compliance standards while enabling effective regional execution 

• Partner with executive leadership across Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Legal, IT, and Commercial teams to guide trade-related risk, cost, and operational decisions 

• Develop and deliver training programs to build organizational awareness and capability in trade compliance 

• Build and lead a high-performing global trade compliance organization, fostering accountability, talent development, and a culture of continuous improvement 

What you’ll need 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, Law, or related field required 

• Minimum 12 years of experience in trade compliance, global trade operations, or international logistics, with increasing scope and responsibility 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership role, with accountability for program oversight and decision-making 

• Deep knowledge of U.S. and international trade regulations, including classification, country of origin, export controls, and licensing 

• Experience supporting multi-site, project-based operations (automation, manufacturing, or capital equipment environments preferred) 

• Proven ability to design and scale trade compliance programs and operating models 

• Experience implementing or managing trade compliance systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, or similar) 

• Strong ability to balance regulatory compliance with operational execution and business needs 

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational change 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills 

Preferred: 

• Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or Master’s in International Business or Supply Chain) 

• Professional certifications (e.g., Licensed Customs Broker, CCS) 

Our Environment 

• Up to 20% travel may be required 

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel to customer and operational sites 

• Responsible for managing business expenses via personal credit card with bi-weekly reimbursement