3M
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Global Trade Compliance Director
role at
3M .
Job Description The Director of Trade Compliance is the senior-most authority for international trade across 3M’s global operations. This leader will shape and execute the company’s import, export, and sanctions strategy; drive operational excellence; and serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team, focused on compliance with applicable regulations and best practices.
Impact You’ll Make
Develop strategic vision and manage operations of the Global Trade Compliance team to ensure 3M’s ongoing compliance with regulations and 3M policy and procedures.
Provide leadership, direction and influence globally across the organization in matters related to processes, systems, organization, resources, and complianceli>
Lead compliance and improvement projects and initiatives such as ERP solution development, readiness and deployment, audit programs and developing globally harmonized business policies, standards, procedures and processes.
Facilitate strategic and operational planning activities and project prioritization to ensure continuous process improvement.
Facilitate and drive compliance throughout the organization via training and awareness, global policies and standards, audits and inspection support, standard work and outreach.
Provide strategic direction and support for regulatory advocacy activities, regulations monitoring and impact assessment, and implementation of regulatory changes into 3M systems and processes.
What You’ll Do Strategy & Leadership
Define and lead the global trade compliance strategy and operating model across import, export, and sanctions.
Deliver strategic insights, best practices, and thought leadership to influence Executive/C‑suite decisions.
Build, lead, and develop a global team of International Trade Regional Leaders and supporting personnel.
Champion compliance culture through supply chain operations.
Program Governance & Operations
Design and oversee policies, procedures, and controls.
Leverage monitoring frameworks, KPIs, dashboards and continuous improvement plans to elevate compliance performance.
Lead risk assessments, internal investigations, audits and remediation actions; manage disclosures and government communications.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Collaborate closely with leaders in Supply Chain, Legal, Risk, Engineering, Tax, Finance, IT to provide guidance and embed compliance in processes and systems.
Advise business units on product design, sourcing, distribution and market‑entry decisions to optimize compliance and cost.
Systems, Data & Transformation
Drive automation and data enablement in trade processes; lead major ERP and trade system programs (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, SAP GTS).
Oversee system design, implementation and governance of screening, licensing, classification and trade analytics tools.
Manage large-scale initiatives and budgets (e.g., >$1M), ensuring timely delivery, change adoption and sustained outcomes.
Operational Excellence in Trade Domains
Import (critical): Authority on customs planning, classification, country of origin, valuation, special programs (FTZ, drawback), and partner government agency requirements; optimize use of FTAs and manage trade remedies.
Export (plus): Maintain robust controls under EAR, ITAR, FTR; authority on jurisdiction/classification determinations (CCL/USML), licensing/authorizations, deemed exports, technology control plans and end‑use/end‑user/destination restrictions.
Sanctions (plus): Govern OFAC compliance, business partner due diligence, beneficial ownership screening and restricted party screening programs.
Your Skills & Expertise Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) from an accredited institution.
Ten (10) years of experience demonstrating regulatory expertise in Trade Compliance, regulatory affairs, EHS, lab and/or manufacturing function with deep knowledge of customs and global partner government agency requirements across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Two (2) years of familiarity with enterprise trade systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Descartes) and data/reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications
Leadership: Proven success leading global teams and complex programs in matrixed organizations; experience with direct teams of ~15+ a plus.
Program Development: Track record building and scaling enterprise-wide compliance programs, policies and controls.
Analytical & Problem‑Solving: Skilled at assessing complex cross‑border trade compliance matters and crafting practical solutions.
Communication: Exceptional executive presence and stakeholder management skills; able to influence and educate across functions.
Change Management: Strong change leadership across large transformations (e.g., ERP implementations).
Deep knowledge of EAR and ITAR export controls and OFAC sanctions.
Strong organizational leadership and strategic planning skills using a highly collaborative approach.
Demonstrated ability to manage global projects, tasks, deadlines, and changing priorities in a team environment.
Experience leading large, complex, global multi‑function projects.
Proven track record of developing business practical solutions to new and changing regulations.
Past participation in industry or trade association consortia addressing trade compliance and risk assessment issues.
Ability to represent 3M and influence decisions in regulatory matters relating to trade compliance and transportation regulatory.
Strong oral communication skills and written communication proficiency.
Specific technical qualifications: SAP GTS, Dangerous Goods/LEX, U.S. Licensed Customs Broker, Export Administration Regulations, Chemical Weapons Convention, Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) Classification, Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) Classification, Global Trusted Trader Programs, Custom Duty Savings Programs, Country of Origin – Preferential and Non‑Preferential, Advanced law or business degree.
Experience managing initiatives with project budgets exceeding $1,000,000.
Industry background in advanced manufacturing, applied sciences, industrial manufacturing, consumer goods or PPE.
Prior responsibility for major digital/ERP transformations (e.g., SAP S/4HANA + SAP GTS integration).
Location Onsite Maplewood, MN (at least 4 days a week).
Travel May include up to 20% domestic/international.
Relocation Assistance Not authorized.
Legal & Compliance Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.
U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub‑contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export‑controlled and other technology and services with certain "non‑U.S. persons".
To comply with these laws, 3M must help assess candidates' U.S. person status. The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position.
Well‑Being 3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Compensation Expected compensation range for this position is $228,040 - $278,715, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible.
EEO Statement 3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Seniority Level Director
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Global Trade Compliance Director
role at
3M .
Job Description The Director of Trade Compliance is the senior-most authority for international trade across 3M’s global operations. This leader will shape and execute the company’s import, export, and sanctions strategy; drive operational excellence; and serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team, focused on compliance with applicable regulations and best practices.
Impact You’ll Make
Develop strategic vision and manage operations of the Global Trade Compliance team to ensure 3M’s ongoing compliance with regulations and 3M policy and procedures.
Provide leadership, direction and influence globally across the organization in matters related to processes, systems, organization, resources, and complianceli>
Lead compliance and improvement projects and initiatives such as ERP solution development, readiness and deployment, audit programs and developing globally harmonized business policies, standards, procedures and processes.
Facilitate strategic and operational planning activities and project prioritization to ensure continuous process improvement.
Facilitate and drive compliance throughout the organization via training and awareness, global policies and standards, audits and inspection support, standard work and outreach.
Provide strategic direction and support for regulatory advocacy activities, regulations monitoring and impact assessment, and implementation of regulatory changes into 3M systems and processes.
What You’ll Do Strategy & Leadership
Define and lead the global trade compliance strategy and operating model across import, export, and sanctions.
Deliver strategic insights, best practices, and thought leadership to influence Executive/C‑suite decisions.
Build, lead, and develop a global team of International Trade Regional Leaders and supporting personnel.
Champion compliance culture through supply chain operations.
Program Governance & Operations
Design and oversee policies, procedures, and controls.
Leverage monitoring frameworks, KPIs, dashboards and continuous improvement plans to elevate compliance performance.
Lead risk assessments, internal investigations, audits and remediation actions; manage disclosures and government communications.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Collaborate closely with leaders in Supply Chain, Legal, Risk, Engineering, Tax, Finance, IT to provide guidance and embed compliance in processes and systems.
Advise business units on product design, sourcing, distribution and market‑entry decisions to optimize compliance and cost.
Systems, Data & Transformation
Drive automation and data enablement in trade processes; lead major ERP and trade system programs (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, SAP GTS).
Oversee system design, implementation and governance of screening, licensing, classification and trade analytics tools.
Manage large-scale initiatives and budgets (e.g., >$1M), ensuring timely delivery, change adoption and sustained outcomes.
Operational Excellence in Trade Domains
Import (critical): Authority on customs planning, classification, country of origin, valuation, special programs (FTZ, drawback), and partner government agency requirements; optimize use of FTAs and manage trade remedies.
Export (plus): Maintain robust controls under EAR, ITAR, FTR; authority on jurisdiction/classification determinations (CCL/USML), licensing/authorizations, deemed exports, technology control plans and end‑use/end‑user/destination restrictions.
Sanctions (plus): Govern OFAC compliance, business partner due diligence, beneficial ownership screening and restricted party screening programs.
Your Skills & Expertise Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) from an accredited institution.
Ten (10) years of experience demonstrating regulatory expertise in Trade Compliance, regulatory affairs, EHS, lab and/or manufacturing function with deep knowledge of customs and global partner government agency requirements across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Two (2) years of familiarity with enterprise trade systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Descartes) and data/reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications
Leadership: Proven success leading global teams and complex programs in matrixed organizations; experience with direct teams of ~15+ a plus.
Program Development: Track record building and scaling enterprise-wide compliance programs, policies and controls.
Analytical & Problem‑Solving: Skilled at assessing complex cross‑border trade compliance matters and crafting practical solutions.
Communication: Exceptional executive presence and stakeholder management skills; able to influence and educate across functions.
Change Management: Strong change leadership across large transformations (e.g., ERP implementations).
Deep knowledge of EAR and ITAR export controls and OFAC sanctions.
Strong organizational leadership and strategic planning skills using a highly collaborative approach.
Demonstrated ability to manage global projects, tasks, deadlines, and changing priorities in a team environment.
Experience leading large, complex, global multi‑function projects.
Proven track record of developing business practical solutions to new and changing regulations.
Past participation in industry or trade association consortia addressing trade compliance and risk assessment issues.
Ability to represent 3M and influence decisions in regulatory matters relating to trade compliance and transportation regulatory.
Strong oral communication skills and written communication proficiency.
Specific technical qualifications: SAP GTS, Dangerous Goods/LEX, U.S. Licensed Customs Broker, Export Administration Regulations, Chemical Weapons Convention, Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) Classification, Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) Classification, Global Trusted Trader Programs, Custom Duty Savings Programs, Country of Origin – Preferential and Non‑Preferential, Advanced law or business degree.
Experience managing initiatives with project budgets exceeding $1,000,000.
Industry background in advanced manufacturing, applied sciences, industrial manufacturing, consumer goods or PPE.
Prior responsibility for major digital/ERP transformations (e.g., SAP S/4HANA + SAP GTS integration).
Location Onsite Maplewood, MN (at least 4 days a week).
Travel May include up to 20% domestic/international.
Relocation Assistance Not authorized.
Legal & Compliance Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.
U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub‑contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export‑controlled and other technology and services with certain "non‑U.S. persons".
To comply with these laws, 3M must help assess candidates' U.S. person status. The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position.
Well‑Being 3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Compensation Expected compensation range for this position is $228,040 - $278,715, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible.
EEO Statement 3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Seniority Level Director
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