ConocoPhillips

Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance

ConocoPhillips$150K — $180K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active legal license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
  • 7+ years of experience in import compliance, international trade, or customs regulations.
  • Expert knowledge of U.S. customs laws and compliance requirements.
  • Experience interacting with government agencies and external counsel.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the import compliance program and governance.
  • Develop and enhance compliance policies and procedures.
  • Advise on customs compliance and regulatory matters.
  • Provide legal guidance for supply chain and commercial operations.
  • Oversee export compliance integration with import activities.
  • Manage interactions with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
  • Identify improvements for technology in compliance processes.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, and mental health support.
  • Annual performance bonuses and retirement savings plans.
  • Paid time off and parental leave.
  • Access to training and career mobility resources.
  • Recognition programs and support for an inclusive culture.
Full Job Description
Job Summary
The Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance, serves as the Company's senior legal advisor on import compliance and leads integration of global trade compliance matters. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously enhancing the Company's import compliance program while coordinating appropriate integration with the Company's established export compliance program.

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Global Compliance, the Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance will lead a small team of trade compliance professionals and provide strategic legal advice and practical business guidance regarding customs, supply chain, and international trade compliance.

The Senior Counsel, Import and Trade Compliance will lead import program governance, regulatory engagement, risk assessments, audits, disclosures, compliance investigations, technology modernization initiatives, and integration across the Company's import and export compliance activities.

Working collaboratively across Legal, Supply Chain, Commercial, Tax, Security, Finance, and Business Unit leadership, this role will be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive trade compliance framework that enables business objectives, mitigates regulatory risk, and promotes a strong culture of compliance.

Position Overview

Key Responsibilities:

Import Compliance Program Leadership
  • Serve as the legal and functional owner of the Company's import compliance program.
  • Maintain and enhance enterprise-wide import compliance policies, procedures, standards, and governance frameworks.
  • Lead a network of Import Compliance Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) across Supply Chain, Commercial, and other business functions.
  • Oversee record retention requirements and documentation management processes for import transactions.

Customs Compliance and Regulatory Matters
  • Advise business stakeholders regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements, customs valuation, tariff classification, country-of-origin requirements, recordkeeping obligations, and related customs matters.
  • Manage CTPAT Trade Compliance program and interactions with CBP and other governmental authorities.
  • Coordinate and oversee responses to inquiries, audits, and other requests from governmental authorities.
  • Lead investigations and remediation efforts arising from customs compliance issues.

Supply Chain and Commercial Support
  • Provide legal and strategic guidance to Supply Chain and Commercial organizations regarding planned imports and cross-border transactions.
  • Develop and implement import compliance contract clauses.
  • Advise stakeholders on customs risks associated with sourcing, procurement, transportation, and commercial operations.
  • Serve as the Company's subject matter expert for special duty and tariff programs.
  • Evaluate the impact of regulatory developments and advise leadership regarding potential business implications.

Export Compliance Program Integration Responsibilities
  • Oversee and maintain the Company's export compliance program, including policies, procedures, governance structures, and controls.
  • Ensure consistent governance and alignment between import and export compliance programs.
  • Maintain customs broker and freight forwarder governance and oversight procedures.
  • Identify and lead enhancements of technology solutions related to import and export compliance activities.

Required Qualifications
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
  • 7 or more years of experience in import compliance, international trade, customs, export compliance, or related regulatory matters.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and enhancing compliance programs in a complex corporate environment.
  • Expert level of knowledge of:
    • U.S. customs laws and regulations
    • Customs valuation and tariff classification
    • CBP enforcement processes
    • Import recordkeeping requirements
    • Trade compliance risk management
  • Experience interacting directly with government agencies and external counsel.
  • Strong leadership, project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to effectively balance legal risk management with business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Licensed Customs Broker, Certified Customs Specialist, Certified Export Specialist, or similar trade compliance designation.
  • Knowledge of CTPAT requirements, customs audits, and government trade enforcement programs.
  • Working knowledge of export control and sanctions regulations.
  • Experience leading global trade compliance programs encompassing both import and export compliance.
  • Experience managing and developing compliance professionals.
  • Experience supporting multinational organizations with complex supply chain and global operations.
  • Experience with ERP systems, customs automation platforms, and trade compliance technologies.
  • Experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other third-party trade service providers.


Apply By:
Oct 6, 2026

Sponsorship:
ConocoPhillips' sponsorship for employment authorization in the U.S. is NOT available for this position.

Benefits Overview

ConocoPhillips offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth:
  • Taking Care of Your Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness programs.
  • Supporting and Building Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual performance bonuses, and retirement savings plans.
  • Promoting Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid parental leave, and family support resources.
  • Offering Career Development: Access to training, mentoring, and internal career mobility tools.
  • Guiding Recognition & Inclusion: Peer-nominated awards, inclusive culture, and employee resource groups.


At ConocoPhillips, we believe our people power the future of energy. We're committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow-professionally and personally.

We don't just offer jobs-we offer meaningful careers in a company that values how we work as much as what we achieve.

About ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips is an oil and gas exploration and production company in the energy industry that promotes safety, health, and environmental safety. The company's technical capability, asset quality and scale, and financial strength are unmatched among independent upstream companies and uniquely position them to compete anywhere. ConocoPhillips is committed to the efficient and effective exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Producing oil and natural gas and getting them to market takes ingenuity, technology, and investment. Its innovative, collaborative efforts yield products that improve quality of life globally while producing economic benefits with far-reaching influence.

ConocoPhillips Careers

Join the dynamic world of ConocoPhillips, where innovation meets expertise in the energy sector. As a global leader in hydrocarbon exploration, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights. Work You’ll Do At ConocoPhillips, we are committed to sustainable energy solutions and are looking for talented individuals to join our team. Engage in groundbreaking projects that redefine industry standards and foster growth in clean energy. Lead with Innovation Step into a role at ConocoPhillips and lead with innovation. Our company is at the forefront of technological advancements in the energy sector. With a focus on sustainable practices, we offer a platform where skills and leadership converge to create impactful solutions. Join Our Diverse Team ConocoPhillips prides itself on a culture of diversity and inclusion. Here, every team member’s contribution is valued, and diversity training ensures that all voices are heard, fostering a truly collaborative environment. Explore Career Opportunities Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, ConocoPhillips has a range of positions to suit your skills and ambitions. From engineering to project management, our job opportunities span across numerous disciplines. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a ConocoPhillips internship. Our programs offer hands-on experience in real-world projects that prepare you for future employment. Interns gain invaluable insights and professional guidance, setting the foundation for a robust career in the energy sector. Employee Benefits Choose a career with ConocoPhillips and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. We support our employees’ well-being with health benefits, retirement plans, and continuous learning opportunities through professional development and training. Networking and Professional Growth Advance your career through networking opportunities within ConocoPhillips. Connect with industry leaders and peers who are eager to share knowledge and insights. Our supportive environment encourages career growth and leadership development. Hiring Process Embark on your ConocoPhillips journey with a straightforward hiring process. Submit your resume, prepare for your interview, and show us why you’re a perfect fit for our team. We’re looking for innovative minds ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the exciting career paths available at ConocoPhillips. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly on the lookout for curious, driven, and creative team players. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest industry news and career tips from ConocoPhillips. Our careers blog provides insider perspectives and practical advice to help you navigate your professional journey. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Explore the rewarding opportunities that await at ConocoPhillips and be part of a company that’s leading the way in energy innovation. At ConocoPhillips, we’re not just offering a job; we’re offering a pathway to a fulfilling career in an industry that’s shaping the future. Join us and be part of a legacy of leadership, innovation, and growth.
Learn more about ConocoPhillips
Size
9,400 employees
Market Cap
$142.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$2.7 billion
Founded
2012
5 Year Trend
+13.7%
Revenue
$18.7 billion
NASDAQ

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