Sr. Manager, Operational Excellence, Global Trade Compliance (Remote)

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

The Sr. Manager, Operational Excellence, Global Trade Compliance at Watlow is a critical leadership position within our global compliance organization. This role is responsible for transforming and advancing the maturity of the GTC function by overseeing the design, implementation, and continuous optimization of trade compliance policies, procedures, and systems.

This individual will lead key cross-functional projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance with global trade regulations. This includes managing trade management software implementations, driving duty mitigation strategies, and leading audits and continuous improvement efforts.

We are open to remote candidates for this position, with the expectation of 35% travel.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Execution & Leadership Support: Collaborate with the Assistant General Counsel to execute the vision and strategy for the Global Trade Compliance function, ensuring alignment with business objectives and organizational priorities.
• Operational Management: Take ownership of the global trade compliance operations for specific business units, providing guidance on U.S. export regulations, international trade laws, and customs processes.
• Compliance Program Development: Assist in maintaining and enhancing the global trade compliance program, ensuring it meets regulatory standards (e.g., U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines) and fostering continuous improvement through audits and corrective actions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with departments such as sourcing, production, finance, sales and logistics to streamline trade compliance processes and implement practical compliance tools. Advise business leaders on U.S. export laws, including controlled technologies and international shipping documentation.
• Risk Management & Regulatory Monitoring: Monitor changes in trade regulations (e.g., U.S. Customs Regulations, HTSUS, NAFTA) and advise key stakeholders on how these changes will affect global operations. Identify and support risk mitigation strategies.
• Systems & Process Optimization: Support the implementation and optimization of trade management systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP), enhancing compliance workflows and driving operational efficiency.
• Metrics & Reporting: Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for trade compliance activities, ensuring progress toward compliance goals, including audit outcomes and non-compliance prevention.
• Training & Awareness: Support the development of a robust global trade compliance training program, ensuring that all teams are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of trade regulations. Help promote ongoing compliance awareness across the organization.
• Third-Party Oversight: Assist in managing the due diligence and ongoing monitoring of third-party vendors, ensuring compliance with all trade regulations and resolving any identified risks.
• M&A Support: Provide trade compliance insights and due diligence support for mergers and acquisitions, assessing trade-related risks and ensuring seamless integration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with 8+ years of experience in global trade compliance or a related area
• 5 + years of demonstrated success in managing and leading cross-functional, international teams
• Ability to travel up to 35% domestically and internationally

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS/MBA and/or Juris Doctor (JD), or equivalent legal experience or qualifications
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities across different organizations and at various levels, including business leaders
• Proven experience applying continuous improvement methodologies to streamline and mistake-proof compliance processes
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, consistently using data-driven insights and a solution-oriented mindset to address emergent tactical challenges
• Certified Export Compliance Officer or affiliated trade compliance certification preferred

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Plan
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.