Director, Global Trade & Customs Compliance

Ensure global trade runs compliant, efficient and sustainable at JBT Marel – a world leader in food processing technology.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director, Global Trade & Customs Compliance to design, implement, and lead our worldwide trade compliance framework. This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of JBT Marel’s Global Supply Chain, where you will balance regulatory rigor with operational efficiency to enable safe, cost-effective, and compliant global trade.

In this role, you will be the global owner of trade & customs compliance. You will lead the development and execution of JBT Marel’s trade compliance program across 25+ countries, ensuring smooth cross-border flows of goods, minimizing risks, and safeguarding compliance with any international trade regulations.

You will be both a strategic leader and hands-on expert — setting global policies while working closely with your own team and global community of custom specialist to solve operational challenges. You will also drive digital transformation in compliance, using ERP and trade management systems to optimize processes and automate controls.

Ultimately, your mission is to ensure JBT Marel meets global compliance standards, minimizes duty and tariff exposure, and builds trust with customers, regulators, and partners worldwide.

Key responsibilities & tasks

Strategy & Governance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global trade compliance framework with clear policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Align JBT Marel’s operations with U.S. and international customs, export control, and trade regulations.
• Establish global KPIs for compliance efficiency, risk mitigation, and duty optimization.
• Translate global compliance goals into regional and local execution plans, working closely with customs specialists in each operating unit.

Operational Excellence

• Lead global import/export compliance processes, including product classification (HS/HTS codes), tariff classifications, valuation, country of origin determination, valuation, and documentation.
• Oversee compliance with sanctions, embargoes, and denied party screening.
• Supervise and audit customs broker performance to ensure adherence to JBT Marel’s standards.
• Partner with Procurement to validate and maintain customs-relevant master data for purchased parts, including origin and mill certifications.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of shipping documentation for international transactions.

Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Drive duty reduction strategies, tariff optimization, and free trade agreement utilization.
• Introduce automation and integration of trade compliance processes into ERP and global trade systems (SAP GTS or equivalent).
• Build roadmaps for continuous improvement, ensuring compliance becomes an enabler of efficiency and growth.
• Identify risks, evaluate vulnerabilities, and implement proactive mitigation measures.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build, mentor, and lead a global network of compliance specialists embedded in the business.
• Provide regular training and digital tools to strengthen compliance knowledge across all shipping and logistics teams.
• Collaborate with Legal, Supply Chain, Procurement, IT, and other functions to embed compliance into core business processes.
• Act as JBT Marel’s interface with customs authorities and regulatory agencies worldwide.
• Promote a culture of compliance, integrity, and continuous improvement, aligned with JBT Marel’s values.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Law, or a related field.
• 5–10+ years of senior experience in global trade & customs compliance.
• Strong expertise in U.S., EU, and Asian trade regulations and export controls.
• Deep knowledge of product classification, country of origin, duty/tariff management, and sanctions compliance.
• Proven success in leading multi-cultural teams and embedding compliance culture in large organizations.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills — able to engage at all levels from executive leadership to operational teams.
• Highly analytical and organized, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business solutions.
• Experience with ERP and compliance software systems (SAP GTS or equivalent preferred).
• Fluent English; additional languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

What we offer

• A strategic global leadership position with high visibility and direct impact on JBT Marel’s performance.
• Opportunity to design and lead a best-in-class compliance framework across 25+ countries.
• A competitive executive compensation package, including global mobility support if required.
• The chance to work with a company where compliance is a driver of trust, efficiency, and growth.
• Career development opportunities in a global leader shaping the future of food.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and innovative culture that values your expertise and empowers you to lead change.

About JBT Marel
JBT Marel is a global leader in advanced food processing solutions. With over 12,000 employees in 25+ countries, we design, manufacture, and service state-of-the-art systems for poultry, meat, fish, and dairy industries.

Our mission is to transform the way food is processed – making it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. From farm to fork, we help the world’s leading food producers meet rising consumer demand while reducing waste and environmental impact.

At JBT Marel, our people are our strength. We invest in talent, offering opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to a company making a real impact worldwide.

Join us. Shape the future. Start at JBT Marel
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