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Senior Trade Compliance Specialist

San Diego - Headquarters Supply Chain Regular Full Time
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At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Trade Compliance Specialist to lead and manage activities to ensure compliance with international trade regulations, including import/export controls, customs regulations, and sanctions laws. Your role will involve developing and implementing compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to applicable trade laws.

You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, legal, and R&D, to address trade compliance challenges impacting delivery of products, identify process improvements, and mitigate risks. Key responsibilities include classification of goods (e.g. HTS, ECCN), managing export licenses, coordinating with customs brokers, conducting internal audits, and responding to regulatory inquiries.

A successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of trade regulations, and the ability to drive process improvements while maintaining compliance excellence with a focus on biological materials, chemicals, and medical devices.  Strong analytical skills, a proactive approach to process improvement, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes will ensure compliance excellence while supporting the efficient operation of global manufacturing and distribution processes.

If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Develop, implement, and maintain trade compliance policies and procedures tailored to manufacturing operations, ensuring adherence to U.S. and international trade laws (e.g., EAR, ITAR, and OFAC).
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, engineering and R&D to classify raw materials, equipment, and finished products using HTS, ECCN, and other applicable systems.
  • Manage export licenses, permits, and other regulatory documentation required for the shipment of regulated materials or equipment.
  • Complete denied party list screening for suppliers and customers in a timely manner
  • Prepare shipping documents, customs documentation and coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure accurate and timely customs clearance for shipments.
  • Conduct internal audits of manufacturing and supply chain processes to identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions.
  • Provide internal training and guidance on trade compliance requirements, including import/export regulations.
  • Monitor and interpret changes in trade regulations that may impact manufacturing operations, ensuring proactive adaptation and compliance.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline trade compliance processes and enhance operational efficiency in manufacturing and distribution.
  • Respond to regulatory inquiries, prepare reports for government agencies, and maintain records to support audits and investigations.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
  • Advanced degree or certification in trade compliance (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Licensed Customs Broker, or Certified Export Specialist (CES)) is a plus.
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in logistics or trade compliance, preferably within a manufacturing environment such as biotech or medical devices
  • Demonstrated expertise in product classification (HTS, ECCN), export licensing, and customs clearance processes.
  • Experience with U.S. trade regulations, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, and FDA-related compliance for biotech products.
  • Strong knowledge of incoterms, country of origin determination
  • Knowledge of software export controls
  • Proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and implementing compliance programs in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds

Location:

  • San Diego

Travel: 

  • Domestic travel up to 10%

Job Type:

  • Exempt/Full Time

Base Compensation Pay Range:

  • $104,000 - $137,000



In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off. 

 

Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience. 

 

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.