Trade Compliance

• A highly specialised role
• Proven ability to influence decision‑makers and drive compliance culture
• Start ASAP

Geelong, VIC | Trade Compliance & Distribution Environment

Your new company

This is an opportunity to join a globally connected organisation operating within a highly regulated import, distribution, and trade environment. With complex international supply chains and a strong governance framework, the business supports commercial operations across Australia and Southeast Asia and is committed to maintaining best-in-class compliance standards.

Your new role

Reporting to the General Manager, you will act as the subject matter expert across international trade compliance, ensuring all import, export, and distribution activities meet Australian and global regulatory requirements.

This role is critical in enabling compliant movement and resale of controlled and dual-use goods, with a strong focus on adherence to U.S. export controls, including ITAR, alongside Australian regulations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and enhancing import and export compliance frameworks across distribution and supply chain operations
• Acting as the key advisor on trade compliance, firearms regulations, and dual-use goods
• Overseeing Defence Export Controls (DEC) applications, permits, and maintaining licensing registers
• Ensuring compliance with DSGL and international export regulations, particularly ITAR, DDTC, and BIS requirements
• Monitoring and managing U.S. export licences, including usage, conditions, exemptions, and reporting requirements
• Developing and maintaining compliance policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
• Acting as the key liaison with Australian Border Force, Defence Export Controls, and international compliance stakeholders
• Delivering and coordinating training programs, including ITAR and broader export control obligations
• Conducting internal audits and ensuring strong documentation and record-keeping practices
• Supporting due diligence activities including third-party screening and export licence documentation
• Driving continuous improvement in compliance processes supporting commercial and distribution outcomes

What you'll need to succeed

You will bring strong experience operating in a regulated import/export or distribution environment, with clear exposure to international export control frameworks.

Key requirements include:

• Proven experience in trade compliance, international trade controls, or import/export governance
• Demonstrated experience working with ITAR-controlled products and U.S. export regulations
• Strong understanding of Australian export controls, DSGL, and global frameworks (DDTC, BIS)
• Experience managing licences, permits, and compliance obligations within a supply chain or distribution context
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements in a commercial setting
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence across business functions
• High attention to detail with strong administration and record-keeping capability
• Ability to operate autonomously in a specialist role
• 5+ years' experience in trade compliance or related field
• Relevant compliance or trade training (highly regarded)

What you'll get in return

• A highly specialised role with exposure to global trade compliance frameworks
• Work within a complex, regulated import and distribution environment
• Collaborative leadership and cross-functional engagement
• Competitive salary package aligned to experience

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' or contact Kerri Lee at Hays on ***email_hidden*** for a confidential discussion.