Senior Manager, Trade Compliance

Senior Manager, Trade Compliance Aerospace & Defense

Location : Salt Lake City, Utah (On-site)

Schedule : 9 / 80 (Every other Friday off)

Employment Type : Full-time | Direct Hire

Partner : Northwest Talent Solutions (NWTS) is partnering with a confidential aerospace & defense client to fill this critical leadership role.

About the Opportunity :

Are you a strategic trade compliance leader who thrives at the intersection of regulation, risk management, and mission-driven innovation?

Join a globally recognized aerospace and defense organization advancing secure communications and next-generation defense technology. As the Senior Manager of Trade Compliance , you'll lead compliance strategy and governance across a high-visibility business sector guiding a talented team and ensuring full adherence to ITAR, EAR, and OFAC regulations.

This is your opportunity to shape compliance excellence and safeguard the technologies that protect and connect the world.

What You'll Do :

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing trade compliance team (8 direct reports).

Implement, enforce, and continuously enhance trade compliance policies and procedures across the organization.

Serve as an Empowered Official , ensuring all activities align with U.S. export control laws and corporate standards.

Manage export authorizations, licenses, and recordkeeping to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Partner with Program Management, Business Development, Operations, and Engineering to embed compliance strategy into key business pursuits.

Oversee and resolve investigations, voluntary disclosures, and audits in coordination with corporate leadership.

Monitor and interpret changes in trade regulations and proactively assess risk exposure.

Support compliance audits, training programs, and U.S. government reviews.

Travel domestically up to 20% as needed.

What You Bring :

Bachelor's degree in business , Law, Engineering, or a related discipline (Masters preferred).

1012+ years of progressive experience in trade compliance within aerospace, defense, or a similarly regulated industry.

Minimum 5 years of experience with ITAR, EAR, and OFAC compliance frameworks.

Proven ability to lead teams and drive enterprise-level compliance programs.

Strong understanding of U.S. trade control requirements, risk mitigation, and export licensing.

Exceptional communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.

Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (active clearance a plus).

Preferred :

Experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Category 11 (Military Electronics) .

Familiarity with OCR EASE or similar trade compliance platforms.

Prior experience as an Empowered Official or similar designation.

Why This Role

Opportunity to lead global trade compliance strategy for a major defense division.

Direct influence on compliance culture, global partnerships, and program integrity.

Competitive compensation package with relocation support .

Collaborative environment that values integrity, innovation, and mission success.

Work-life balance through the 9 / 80 schedule enjoys every other Friday off .

About NWTS :

Northwest Talent Solutions (NWTS) is a specialized executive search and recruitment firm serving the Aerospace, Defense, and Advanced Technology sectors. We deliver mission-aligned professionals who elevate compliance, security, and operational excellence.

Our confidential searches connect elite leaders to opportunities where they can make a lasting impact on global innovation and national defense.

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