Global Trade Compliance Manager

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The Role: Xylem is seeking a Trade Compliance Manager to support strategic trade initiatives across the enterprise, including but not limited to leading Xylem’s First Sale for Export (FSFE) program. This is a high impact leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing Xylem’s global trade compliance strategy while driving meaningful cost savings, operational efficiencies, and risk reduction. 

As the program leader, you will serve as Xylem’s subject-matter expert on First Sale for Export, partnering closely with global supply chain, procurement, engineering, manufacturing, legal, and external advisors to design, operationalize, and continuously enhance a world class FSFE program. You will also play a key role in strengthening Xylem’s broader trade compliance posture by supporting other customs and regulatory initiatives, duty mitigation strategies, and compliance process improvements. 

This is a unique opportunity to influence global operations, improve financial performance, and embed excellence in Xylem’s end to end trade ecosystem. Success in this role requires strong regulatory expertise, proven leadership experience, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities – Customs Strategy Manager, Trade Compliance 

Strengthen Global Trade Compliance and Duty Optimization 

• Support the implementation, monitoring, and enhancement of Xylem’s customs compliance programs, including valuation, classification, origin, drawback, and free trade agreement usage. 

• Identify opportunities to expand duty mitigation strategies and improve global import/export processes. 

• Develop and execute internal controls to reduce compliance risk and ensure adherence to international customs regulations. 

• Lead Xylem’s First Sale for Export program. 

• Contribute to compliance-related digital transformation efforts, data automation initiatives, and process standardization projects. 

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Act as a strategic liaison to procurement, supply chain, engineering, manufacturing, and legal teams to ensure compliance requirements are embedded into global business processes.  

• Communicate complex regulations and program requirements in clear, actionable terms to senior leaders and operational teams.  

• Build strong relationships with suppliers, customs brokers, consultants, and government authorities as needed. 

Qualifications: Education, Experience, Skills, Abilities, License/Certification: 

• BS/BA Degree or higher, or a current Customs Brokers License 

• Experience with First Sale for Export. 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in global trade compliance, with specific expertise in U.S. customs regulations and compliance practices. 

• Deep understanding of CBP regulatory framework, including customs valuation rules, tariffs, and audit procedures. 

• Good ability to identify and adapt best practices from other organizations.  

• Strong executive communication and writing skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and influence stakeholders across functions to integrate trade compliance considerations into broader business strategies. 

• Motivation to push projects to solution and implementation; cognizant of time and budget constraints. High levels of energy, drive, and focus. 

• Self-starter with the ability to leverage efforts through effective involvement of individuals and resources from outside the immediate team. 

• Positive, collegial, and collaborative approach. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• US Customs Brokerage License highly desirable 

• CTCS (Certified Trade Compliance Specialist) 

The estimated salary range for this position is $93,900 - 125,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience, and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem, we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.