Vice President, International Trade

BGS is seeking a Vice President to support client engagements within our International Trade Practice. Client support within this Practice focuses on advising organizations navigating complex international trade issues, particularly in areas such as trade agreement negotiations, tariff authorities, and U.S. and global trade policymaking processes.

You will bring significant experience in trade policy to deliver strategic business-oriented guidance that helps clients anticipate, understand, and respond to evolving trade developments and government actions, especially as they relate to national security and geopolitical developments. This role offers exposure to private sector issues and priorities, while maintaining close engagement with stakeholders across the Washington D.C. ecosystem.

VPs can expect opportunities to demonstrate expertise in a subject matter area and work within a collaborative environment where they contribute meaningfully to both client outcomes and internal capability-building.

The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at the intersection of government and industry, trade and foreign policy, and translating regulatory complexity into actionable guidance for businesses, while remaining responsive as dynamics evolve.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver strategic guidance regarding international trade and economic security policies
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret developments in U.S. and global trade policy, especially at the intersection of geopolitical risk and economic security
• Advise clients on business implications of U.S. and global trade policy developments
• Collaborate in a cross-disciplinary environment with subject matter experts in other fields, including national security, economic security, and technology.
• Facilitate constructive engagement with U.S. government agencies and relevant stakeholders across industry and trade associations
• Contribute to thought leadership and brand development through internal and external speaking engagements
• Mentor and support junior team members, helping to build their understanding of trade dynamics

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience in roles involving international trade policy
• Deep subject matter expertise in international trade, including in trade agreement negotiations, tariff authorities, and trade policymaking processes
• Proven track record of providing strategic counsel to senior leaders and executives on complex trade matters
• Exceptional analytical and communication skills, with the ability to distill complex trade, economic, and foreign policy dynamics into actionable business intelligence
• Established network of relationships across government (including USTR, Commerce, Treasury, State, CBP, and Congress), industry, and policy communities
• A national security mindset, with the ability to connect trade policy implications to national and economic security issues
• Ability to work in a cross-disciplinary environment with subject matter experts in other fields, including national security, economic security, and technology.
• Leadership experience managing and mentoring professional teams
• Demonstrated thought leadership through publications, speaking engagements, or recognized expertise in relevant fields

Ideal Background

Candidates who will thrive in this role may come from backgrounds such as:

• Senior positions in government agencies focused on international trade (such as USTR, Commerce, Treasury, CBP)
• Senior position at trade associations or consulting firms working on international trade
• Senior positions at companies with government affairs or strategic planning responsibilities
• Senior congressional staff with trade focus
• Senior positions at think tanks or research institutions focused on trade policy