Lead Trade Compliance Specialist
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Overview
Remote
On-site
Compensation
$106,000-$135,000/year
Job Description
Title: Lead Trade Compliance SpecialistLocation: ChicagoShift: 1st Shift - Hybrid schedule, 3 days in office, 2 at homeHire Type: Direct HirePay Rate: $106,000–$135,000 per year
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hybrid schedule
- Full medical, dental and vision and life insurance coverage
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with 3% of salary in company stock
- Paid 7-10 day shutdown in December each year
- Matching 401k up to 6%
- Available ½ days, Flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, 5 sick days
Sterling Engineering is hiring a Lead Trade Compliance Specialist for a highly respected, global manufacturer with a strong presence in the energy and industrial sectors for more than 100 years. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact role where you’ll have full ownership to build and shape a trade compliance function from the ground up. If you enjoy solving complex problems, creating structure in unstructured environments, and driving real organizational change. This role offers visibility, autonomy, and long-term career growth in a stable, industry-leading company.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and rebuild the company’s trade compliance function, establishing scalable processes and best practices
- Serve as the subject matter expert on import/export regulations, compliance controls, and documentation
- Develop and standardize product classification processes (HTS, Schedule B, HS codes)
- Clean, validate, and organize large datasets to ensure accurate classification and duty optimization
- Create and improve workflows for trade documentation (Certificates of Origin, affidavits, invoices, etc.)
- Evaluate and correct import/export documentation to ensure compliance and audit readiness
- Oversee post-entry corrections, duty drawback opportunities, and reconciliation processes
- Develop KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools to track compliance performance and risk areas
- Support internal and external audits, implementing corrective actions and long-term improvements
- Partner with legal, supply chain, procurement, and finance teams to ensure regulatory compliance
- Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external partners
- Monitor regulatory changes (CBP, BIS, OFAC, EAR) and implement necessary process updates
- Train and educate internal teams on trade compliance requirements and best practices
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in trade compliance, import/export, or global logistics
- Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations (CBP, BIS, EAR, OFAC, FTA, valuation, origin rules)
- Expertise in HTS, Schedule B, and HS classification systems
- Experience building or improving trade compliance programs, processes, and documentation workflows
- Strong data analysis skills (Excel, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data cleansing)
- Experience working with ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, or similar)
- Knowledge of duty drawback, post-entry corrections, and audit processes
- Experience managing broker and freight forwarder relationships
- Ability to work in ambiguous environments and build structured, scalable solutions
Helpful Credentials and Skills:
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or Licensed Customs Broker
- Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
- Experience with Global Trade Management (GTM) systems
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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FAQs About Lead Trade Compliance Specialist Jobs at Sterling Engineering, Inc.
What is the work location for this position at Sterling Engineering, Inc.?
This job at Sterling Engineering, Inc. is located in Chicago, IL, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Sterling Engineering, Inc.?
Candidates can expect a pay range of $106,000 and $135,000 per year.
What employment applies to this position at Sterling Engineering, Inc.?
The employer has not provided this information. This may be discussed during the hiring process.
What is the process to apply for this position at Sterling Engineering, Inc.?
You can apply for this role at Sterling Engineering, Inc. either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.