Customs & Foreign Trade Manager

About the role

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Customs & Foreign Trade Manager to join the company to support international logistics programs.

What You’ll Do

• Lead PDW's global trade, export compliance, and international logistics program supporting commercial, U.S. Government, and allied defense customers.
• Establish trade compliance strategies and governance policies.
• Lead regulatory export audits, investigate shipping and compliance issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage domestic and international shipments of UAS, payloads, batteries, spare parts, and technical data in compliance with ITAR, EAR, Customs, and hazardous materials regulation.
• Coordinate permanent and temporary exports, imports, reimports, and international Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), including shipments to and from U.S. military installations, overseas bases, embassies, and international customer locations.
• Support international demonstrations, military exercises, trade shows, customer training, and field support activities.
• Ensure all required regulatory compliance with DDTC, BIS, CBP, OFAC, and hazardous materials regulations.
• Select, manage, and coordinate qualified freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international logistics providers to ensure secure, compliant, and efficient global transportation of defense articles and hazardous materials.
• Work closely with Legal, Compliance, Security, and Program teams to resolve regulatory issues, obtain export authorizations, support government inquiries, and ensure compliance with applicable U.S. and international trade laws.
• Monitor changes in U.S. export regulations and recommend improvements to PDW's global trade compliance program.
• Manage export licensing activities, denied party screening, AES filings, recordkeeping, and trade compliance policies.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or pertinent fields.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working in Customs and Foreign Trade including sourcing and relationship development within the Customs and Foreign Trade discipline.
• Experience coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and government agencies supporting international defense shipments.
• Working in an ITAR environment including global trade compliance, customs operations, and import/export processes.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.

Preferred

• Customs Brokerage License or equivalent level of experience.
• Experienced, demonstrable track record in all aspects of logistics sourcing and compliance.

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Work Environment

• This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment.
• This role requires use of standard office equipment and may require occasional travel.
• This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments.
• May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment.
• This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.
• Standard works hours for this position are 8a-5p with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

• PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities
• Benefits include comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.