Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Tax, Law, or related field.
8+ years of progressive experience in customs and trade compliance, including leadership roles.
U.S. Customs Broker License (LCB) preferred.
Deep expertise in tariff classification, valuation, duty drawback, FTZ, and free trade agreements.
Working knowledge of U.S. export controls (EAR/ITAR) and sanctions regimes.
Subject matter expertise in import/export requirements in EMEA and APAC regions is a plus.
Proficiency with CBP ACE portal, SAP, and Incoterms.
Responsibilities
Lead the global import and export compliance strategy for efficient operations.
Provide expert guidance on HTS/ECCN classification and oversee necessary documentation.
Identify initiatives to improve duty competitiveness and reduce compliance risks.
Monitor global regulatory changes and assess their impact on the business.
Design and maintain the Internal Control Compliance Program for trade management.
Serve as the subject matter expert for tariff classification and import/export requirements.
Develop and deliver compliance training programs across the organization.
Collaborate with various departments to ensure end-to-end trade compliance.
Establish metrics for customs clearance and lead corrective actions as needed.
Ensure accurate record-keeping and lead responses to customs authorities.
Screen against sanctions and support supply chain compliance requirements.
Build and mentor a trade compliance team with a multi-year roadmap.
Benefits
Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options.
Professional development and training opportunities.
Collaborative and inclusive company culture.
Opportunities for career advancement within a global organization.
Full Job Description
Job Description:
Role Overview
As the Sr. Global Trade Compliance Manager, you will be a key leader in developing, implementing, and overseeing Fluence's global trade compliance strategy and operations. You will provide strategic leadership to ensure the company navigates the complexities of international trade laws and regulations while optimizing for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Fluence's global import and export compliance strategy, ensuring compliant, efficient daily operations across all regions.
Provide the Operations teams with expert guidance on HTS/ECCN classification, duty rates, and fees. Oversee license applications and the documentation needed for imports and exports (export licenses, FTA certificates, steel licenses, FCC 740, FDA 2877, etc.).
Identify and lead initiatives to improve duty competitiveness, reduce compliance risk, and lower costs through trade programs such as duty drawback, Foreign Trade Zones, bonded warehouses, TIB, Chapter 98, and FTA utilization.
Monitor the global regulatory environment, including trade tensions and tariff actions (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD, and evolving U.S. tariff authorities, plus IEEPA refund developments). Assess the impact on Fluence's business and brief senior leadership and stakeholders with clear recommendations.
Design, implement, and maintain the Internal Control Compliance Program (ICP) governing the import and export of Fluence products, and drive continuous improvement in trade management processes and systems.
Serve as the subject matter expert and escalation point for internal and external stakeholders on tariff classification, valuation, duty impacts, import requirements, and FTA rules of origin.
Develop and deliver compliance training programs across the business.
Partner with customs brokers, Logistics, Purchasing, Finance, Legal, and suppliers to ensure end-to-end global trade compliance, and manage broker performance.
Establish and audit scorecard metrics for customs clearance documentation and broker entry accuracy. Lead corrective action, including prior disclosures and responses to government inquiries where needed.
Ensure accurate record-keeping, internal audits, export declarations, and reporting, and lead responses to export and customs authorities.
Collaborate with Product Development and Engineering to determine export jurisdiction and classification for all goods, software, and technology, and to document reasons for control.
Screen against sanctions and restricted-party lists, and support supply chain compliance requirements such as forced-labor (UFLPA) due diligence.
Build, mentor, and develop a trade compliance team, and set priorities and a multi-year roadmap for the function.
Required Qualifications and Experience
A bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Tax, Law, or a related field, and 8+ years of progressive experience in customs and trade compliance, including people or project leadership.
A U.S. Customs Broker License (LCB) is strongly preferred.
Deep experience in tariff classification, valuation, duty drawback, FTZ, and free trade agreements.
Working knowledge of U.S. export controls (EAR/ITAR) and sanctions regimes.
Subject matter expertise in import and export requirements in EMEA and APAC (e.g., China, Taiwan, India) is a plus.
Proficiency with the CBP ACE portal, SAP, and Incoterms.
Strong communication, presentation, and training skills, including the ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional partners.
Self-motivation, sound judgment, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The ability to work effectively in a hybrid, global environment.
About Fluence
Fluence Corporation Limited is a global leader in decentralized water and wastewater treatment solutions. The company provides a range of products and services, including containerized treatment plants, membrane bioreactors, and desalination systems. Fluence's solutions are designed to be energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. The company serves a variety of industries, including municipal, industrial, and commercial clients. Fluence has operations in North America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East.
