Global Export Controls & Customs Compliance Director

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (Hybrid)

Travel: Periodic travel to subsidiary locations required

What a day in this role looks like

Your morning might start with reviewing an ITAR agreement renewal in DECCS, followed by a call with Supply Chain to align broker instructions for an urgent import. After lunch, you brief Engineering on a new classification outcome (USML/ECCN) and approve restricted party screening results for a new distributor. You close the day by planning an internal audit and mapping corrective actions—then prepare a voluntary disclosure draft just in case a self-identified gap needs to be reported.

Role overview

Ignium is hiring a seasoned leader to steer our global trade compliance strategy across the enterprise and subsidiaries. As the company’s Empowered Official, you will be the principal authority for ITAR, EAR, U.S. Customs, and international trade requirements—designing scalable, business-friendly controls that enable responsible global growth.

What you will own

• Serve as Empowered Official and lead the corporate Trade Compliance Program.
• Prepare, submit, and manage ITAR/EAR licenses, agreements, exemptions, and related filings.
• Direct export classifications and jurisdiction determinations, including USML/ECCN product classifications.
• Drive compliance with U.S. Customs regulations; oversee import/export documentation and customs broker performance.
• Create, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and SOPs covering global trade compliance.
• Plan and execute enterprise-wide audits, monitoring, and corrective action programs.
• Oversee denied/restricted party screening, due diligence efforts, and risk assessments.
• Embed compliance into processes by partnering with Engineering, Contracts, Supply Chain, Operations, Shipping, and HR.
• Develop and deliver targeted training across the organization and subsidiaries.
• Investigate potential issues and prepare voluntary disclosures when needed.
• Mentor and guide Trade Compliance personnel across subsidiary companies.
• Support onboarding and integration of newly acquired businesses into the corporate program.
• Travel periodically to domestic and international subsidiary locations.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in export controls and international trade compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of:
• Experience preparing and managing ITAR and EAR license applications.
• Experience with DDTC DECCS, BIS SNAP-R, and CBP ACE.
• Strong knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping documentation.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Must be eligible to serve as an ITAR Empowered Official.
• Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred qualifications

• ECoP ITAR and ECoP EAR certifications.
• Previous experience serving as an Empowered Official.
• Experience within the defense or aerospace industry.
• Experience with EU Dual-Use Regulations and international export compliance.
• Experience implementing enterprise compliance programs and audit frameworks.

Work environment

• Hybrid work arrangement based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Occasional domestic and international travel required.
• Extended periods of computer-based work.
• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours as needed.

Tools

• ERP Software

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veteran