We are seeking a strategic and highly experienced Sr Manager of International Operations and Trade Compliance to lead our comprehensive international trade operations and regulatory compliance programs across Brenntag Specialties global chemical distribution network. This role combines operational oversight of complex chemical trade activities with deep expertise in customs and trade compliance, ensuring seamless cross-border operations while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory adherence in the chemical industry. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in international trade compliance for chemical products, proven leadership capabilities, and a track record of optimizing complex global supply chain operations in highly regulated environments.
Responsibilities
Trade Compliance Leadership:
Develop and enforce comprehensive import/export compliance policies and procedures for all international chemical distribution operations for Brenntag Specialties across our North American network.
Lead implementation of trade compliance strategies aligned with chemical industry regulations including C-TPAT, ITAR, EAR, FCPA, REACH, CLP, and customs regulations specific to chemical products.
Oversee end-to-end compliance programs including Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), duty drawback programs, chemical-specific valuation processes, and reconciliation procedures.
Manage relationships with customs brokers, chemical logistics providers, and regulatory agencies, establishing performance metrics and corrective action programs.
Lead internal and external audits specific to chemical trade compliance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Regulatory Risk Management:
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential compliance issues related to chemical product classifications, hazardous materials regulations, and international chemical trade restrictions.
Interpret complex trade regulations affecting chemical products and present clear risk assessment and mitigation plans to Brenntag leadership.
Support compliance with evolving chemical industry regulations including forced labor prevention acts, environmental regulations, and chemical safety standards.
Monitor and ensure compliance with country-specific chemical import/export restrictions and licensing requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with Brenntag's Legal, Procurement, Operations, Finance, Product Management, and Business Development teams on compliance initiatives specific to chemical distribution.
Support international business development efforts with chemical market intelligence, regulatory guidance, and trade compliance expertise.
Work closely with Product Stewardship and EHS teams to ensure chemical product compliance across international markets.
Team Leadership & Strategic Planning:
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing international operations and trade compliance team across Brenntag Specialties regional network.
Conduct performance management, recruiting, and professional development for direct reports in a matrixed organizational environment.
Provide training and guidance to cross-functional teams on chemical trade regulations and compliance requirements.
Drive continuous improvement methodology in key areas of service, profit, and regulatory compliance specific to chemical distribution.
Reporting & Stakeholder Management:
Develop and generate regular reports and presentations that provide insights into international trade compliance performance and chemical market trends.
Present compliance performance and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and board-level stakeholders.
Collaborate with regional Brenntag operations teams to ensure consistent adherence to compliance standards across all markets.
Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
U.S. Customs Broker License or equivalent international trade certification.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in import/export compliance and international operations, preferably in chemical distribution or related industries.
At least 5 years of experience in a senior management or leadership role overseeing compliance functions in a global, matrixed organization.
Experience in the chemical distribution, specialty chemicals, or industrial chemicals industry, particularly in multinational organizations operating in highly regulated environments.
Advanced degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
Experience with chemical data management systems, product stewardship platforms, and regulatory databases.
Proficiency in multiple languages relevant to key chemical trading regions (German, Spanish, Mandarin, or other languages relevant to Brenntag's global operations).
Experience with government services operations and regulatory agency interactions in the chemical industry.
Bi-lingual in English and Spanish
Our Offer
- We aim to create an environment where the best people want to work, where they can turn their passion into their job and realize their full potential.
- Individual development, on-the-job training, and development programs designed to help our employees grow in their careers.
- Paid parental leave
- Education assistance program
- Employee assistance program
- Various healthcare plan options as well as 401(k)
Brenntag provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees of all backgrounds and identities to create a workplace where difference is valued because it forms a resilient and more innovative organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, parental and family status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome applications from women, men and non-binary candidates of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at [email protected] (phone, tty, fax, email, etc.).
Brenntag North America, Inc. and its subsidiaries use E-verify, a government-run, web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. For more information, please go to https://www.e-verify.gov/employees or view the poster at https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster.pdf.
Similar Jobs
.jpg)
What We Do
We are the global market leader in full-line range of chemical & ingredient products and value-added services. Our more than 17,500 employees provide tailor-made application, marketing and supply chain solutions. Our full-line portfolio comprises specialty and industrial chemicals and ingredients of a world-class supplier base. Building on our long-standing experience, unmatched global reach and local excellence, we work closely alongside our partners to make their business more successful. We operate a unique global network with about 600 locations in 72 countries.
