MEAI Manager, Global Trade Compliance

The Middle East, Africa, and India (MEAI) Manager, Global Trade Compliance is responsible for overseeing and executing strategic and operational global trade compliance initiatives across the MEAI region. This role ensures adherence to Solenis' import and export programs, mitigates compliance risks, and drives regulatory alignment. The manager will identify and assess trade compliance requirements, develop solutions, and coordinate regional implementation plans both internally and with external partners. Additionally, they will support cross-functional projects and collaborate closely with other regions to ensure seamless compliance operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement MEAI trade compliance strategy and policies, including risk assessment, process improvements, and training initiatives, in alignment with global directives.
• Oversee operational activities of customs brokers, including performance metrics, KPIs, risk assessments, and continuous process enhancements.
• Optimize trade compliance and management processes, incorporating system controls and cost-saving measures, while leveraging free trade agreements and other trade programs to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
• Manage and maintain MEAI Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code classifications, Country of Origin determination, and Long-Term Supplier Declarations in accordance with global standards.
• Support and enforce global restricted party screening and denied party screening policies and procedures.
• Lead MEAI government relations efforts and manage audits to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
• MEAI Trade Compliance: In-depth understanding of trade compliance regulations, requirements, and best practices across the Middle East, Africa, and India (MEAI) region.
• Supply Chain Processes: Strong knowledge of cross-functional supply chain operations and their impact on trade compliance.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage projects effectively, ensuring timely execution of compliance initiatives.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with local, regional, and country-specific regulations, standards, and laws governing trade compliance.
• Licensing & Permitting: Expertise in MEAI and country-specific licensing, permitting, and regulatory requirements.
• Restricted/Denied Parties & Chemical Controls: Understanding of MEAI regulatory frameworks, including extraterritorial restrictions, denied parties, and chemical control regulations.
• Customs Compliance: Knowledge of customs procedures, including classification, Binding Tariff Information requests, and long-term supplier declarations.
• Chemical Manufacturing (Preferred): Familiarity with chemical manufacturing processes and their impact on trade compliance is a plus.
• Sanctions & Embargoes: Strong grasp of US Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and international sanctions (US/EU/UK), ensuring compliance with trade restrictions affecting the MEAI region.
• Compliance Software (Desirable): Proficiency in trade compliance software, such as SAP-GTS, for managing compliance activities and conducting audits.
• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Understanding of MEAI-specific trade agreements, preferential trade programs, and their impact on import/export operations.
• Local Content & Economic Regulations: Awareness of local content requirements and economic policies (e.g., In-Country Value (ICV) programs in the Middle East, or "Make in India" initiatives).
• Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption Laws: Familiarity with regulations such as the UK Bribery Act, US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and local anti-corruption laws impacting trade compliance.
• Customs Valuation & Transfer Pricing: Understanding of customs valuation methodologies and alignment with transfer pricing rules to mitigate compliance risks.
• Industry-Specific Compliance: Awareness of sector-specific compliance requirements for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or other regulated industries operating in MEAI.
• Trade Facilitation Programs: Experience with MEAI-specific customs trade facilitation programs, such as Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, bonded warehousing, and duty drawback schemes.
• Human Rights & ESG Compliance: Growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance, including forced labor laws, sustainability regulations, and human rights due diligence in supply chains.