VP of Trade Compliance
On-site · Sunnyvale, California, United States
Job Summary
As VP of Trade Compliance, lead and shape a global trade compliance organization for medical devices, instruments, accessories, capital equipment, service parts, software, and indirect materials. Establish and enforce the company’s global trade compliance framework, oversee regulatory obligations across inbound materials, cross-border transactions, and finished goods, and serve as the primary interface with customs, export control authorities, and trade regulators. Develop training programs for manufacturing, service, commercial teams, distributors, and brokers; drive automation to improve clearance and audit readiness; ensure HS classification, ECCN determinations, country-of-origin, and device-history accuracy; partner with Regulatory Affairs and Quality to protect regulatory approvals and traceability; manage relationships with brokers, outside counsel, and regulatory advisors; oversee trade-compliance systems integrated with ERP/WMS/TMS/Global Trade Management; ensure compliance with FDA and global equivalents (EU MDR, UKCA, PMDA, NMPA, ANVISA); lead governance, policy, and risk-management initiatives; embed compliance across manufacturing, field service, logistics, repair networks, and distribution programs; demonstrate a history of zero material trade violations and successful regulatory audits; require extensive leadership experience at VP/Director levels and a BS in a related field along with 15+ years in global trade compliance and relevant certifications.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Law, International Trade, Business, Supply Chain / Logistics, or related field
- 15+ years of experience in global trade compliance, customs, or export controls
- Trade or Custom Certifications (LCB, CCS, CUSECI, or equivalent)
- Proven leadership at the Vice President and Director levels of global and regional compliance teams
- Demonstrated experience supporting regulated medical device or life science supply chains
- Understanding FDA-regulated products and global equivalents (EU MDR, UKCA, PMDA, NMPA, ANVISA)
- Experience leading governance, policy, and risk management initiatives
- Ability to establish and maintain global policies on HS classification, Valuation, ECCN determinations, Country-Of-Origin analysis, and sanctions screenings
- Track record of leading government audits, inquiries, and inspections related to customs and export controls
- Ability to embed compliance into manufacturing, field service, and logistics workflows
- Experience with bonded movement, bonded warehouses, and Free Trade Zones
- Strong collaboration with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Legal, and external advisors
- Knowledge of tariff-mmitigation strategies and audit readiness
- Experience with device traceability requirements (UDI, HS codes, etc.)
- Leadership in cross-functional programs affecting R&D, manufacturing, service, and commercial distribution
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