Director of Americas Trade Operations

Leonid Group has been retained by a global leader in optical and photonic technologies to appoint a Director of Americas Trade Operations based in San Jose, California.

This role is critical in driving the company’s Global Trade Compliance strategy throughout North America. This position sits within the legal team and will report directly to the Chief Trade & Compliance Counsel.

This high-impact role will oversee Trade Operations across the United States and Canada, as well as support implementation of Global Trade Compliance program enhancements in the region. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in trade laws and requirements, including export control regulations, economic sanctions, and customs laws, along with practical experience overseeing trade operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee end-to-end Americas trade operations, including import/export processes, documentation, licensing, and regulatory compliance.
• Build, develop, and inspire a high-performing regional team of trade compliance professionals. Provide clear direction, set performance goals, coach and mentor team members, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• Motivate and educate cross-functional stakeholders on trade compliance requirements, translating complex regulations into practical business guidance.
• Establish strong partnerships with Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Finance, and regional business leaders to ensure the timely, efficient, and compliant movement of goods while balancing operational and commercial objectives.
• Proactively collaborate with the logistics organization to resolve shipment delays, customs clearance challenges, and regulatory issues, exercising sound judgment and decisive leadership in high-pressure situations.
• Monitor trade operations performance metrics, drive reporting discipline and data transparency, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and reduce compliance risk across the region.

Technical Expertise

• Determine and document export jurisdiction and classification for hardware and technology under the EAR and ITAR. Perform de minimis and FDP analyses; evaluate applicability of EAR license exceptions; conduct complex classification and jurisdiction assessments. Assign and maintain ECCNs, support CCATS submissions, and ensure accurate, auditable classification records.
• Identify licensing requirements and assess eligibility for EAR exceptions and ITAR exemptions. Prepare, submit, and manage export licenses, including TAAs and MLAs. Track and enforce compliance with license provisos, conditions, and restrictions, ensuring complete and audit-ready documentation.
• Conduct end-use, end-user, destination, and restricted-party screening. Perform embargo and sanctions checks, evaluate red flags, and conduct diversion-risk and KYC due diligence for export transactions.
• Manage deemed export compliance, including nationality-based access reviews, licensing determinations, and license application tracking. Develop, implement, and maintain Technology Control Plans (TCPs). Communicate license conditions, monitor access controls, and ensure compliant handling of controlled technology.
• Oversee import compliance processes, including HTSUS / HS classification, country of origin, customs valuation, and admissibility requirements. Ensure accurate entry documentation and alignment with U.S. and Canadian Customs regulations and PGA requirements. Oversee performance of customs brokers, provide clear instructions and oversight, review entries for accuracy, and resolve discrepancies or post-entry corrections as needed. Monitor regulatory changes, assess duty impact and risk exposure, and maintain complete, audit-ready import compliance records.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Monitor, interpret, and advise on export control regulations, sanctions programs, customs requirements, and other trade laws affecting Americas operations.
• Interface with government authorities and regulators to manage licenses, approvals, audits, and inquiries.
• Actively engage with industry associations and peers on relevant global trade matter impacting Americas trade operations.
• Identify and assess compliance risks in collaboration with sales, procurement, engineering, and supply chain stakeholders, providing practical regional guidance.

Program Development & Governance

• Support regional deployment of enhancements to the company's global trade compliance program, ensuring alignment with corporate policies, international regulations, and industry best practices.
• Deliver training, cascade communications, and promote compliance awareness among employees across the US and Canada in coordination with the Global Trade Strategy & Compliance Team.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key trade partners, government authorities, and third-party service providers.

Innovation & Strategic Contribution

• Champion the adoption of automation and digital solutions to strengthen compliance, improve operational efficiency, and enhance visibility across Americas trade operations.
• Act as a senior advisor in shaping strategic trade initiatives to support business growth and protect the company's reputation in the region.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in trade compliance and operations, including export controls, sanctions, import compliance, and related disciplines.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, JD, LLM or equivalent) preferred.
• Fluency in English.
• Strong knowledge of export control, sanctions, and customs requirements applicable to U.S. and Canada.
• Proven ability to make complex compliance judgments and foster a culture of compliance across the region.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively across diverse business units and jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to motivate teams, set strategic direction, and resolve challenges creatively while ensuring compliance.

Leonid Group Corporate Governance is a talent advisory firm that specialises in the placement of Legal, Compliance, Risk, ESG and Sustainability and Audit professionals on an international scale across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. These are global disciplines with teams worldwide, and our network reflects this. We work with multinational corporations to help structure their departments with the best people, from the Global Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel to the Compliance Analyst and Trade Compliance Specialist.