Director of Trade Compliance
Legal
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Posted on Jul 22, 2026
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Location: Ann Arbor, MI (Hybrid)
Travel: Periodic travel to subsidiary locations required
Position Summary
Ignium is seeking an experienced Director of Trade Compliance to lead and oversee the company's global trade compliance program. This executive-level role serves as the organization's subject matter expert for U.S. export controls, import compliance, customs regulations, and international trade requirements across Ignium and its subsidiary companies.
The Director will provide strategic leadership for ITAR, EAR, U.S. Customs, and international trade compliance while developing scalable compliance programs that support the company's continued global growth.
Essential Responsibilities
- Serve as the company's Empowered Official and lead the corporate Trade Compliance Program.
- Manage ITAR and EAR licensing, agreements, exemptions, and regulatory submissions.
- Oversee export classifications, jurisdiction determinations, and product classifications (USML/ECCN).
- Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs regulations, import/export documentation, and customs broker activities.
- Develop and maintain trade compliance policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
- Lead enterprise-wide compliance audits, monitoring activities, and corrective actions.
- Oversee enied party screening, due diligence reviews, and risk assessments.
- Partner with Engineering, Contracts, Supply Chain, Operations, Shipping, and HR to integrate compliance into business processes.
- Develop and deliver trade compliance training across the organization.
- Investigate potential compliance issues and prepare voluntary disclosures when necessary.
- Provide leadership and guidance to Trade Compliance personnel across subsidiary companies.
- Support integration of newly acquired businesses into the corporate compliance program.
- Travel periodically to domestic and international subsidiary locations.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in export controls and international trade compliance.
- Extensive knowledge of:
- ITAR
- EAR
- U.S. Customs regulations
- Import/Export Compliance
- Export Licensing
- Experience preparing and managing ITAR and EAR license applications.
- Experience with DDTC DECCS, BIS SNAP-R, and CBP ACE.
- Strong knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping documentation.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
- Must be eligible to serve as an ITAR Empowered Official.
- Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- ECoP ITAR and ECoP EAR certifications.
- Previous experience serving as an Empowered Official.
- Experience within the defense or aerospace industry.
- Experience with EU Dual-Use Regulations and international export compliance.
- Experience implementing enterprise compliance programs and audit frameworks.
Work Environment
- Hybrid work arrangement based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Occasional domestic and international travel required.
- Extended periods of computer-based work.
- Flexibility to work outside normal business hours as needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veteran