Trade Compliance Specialist, North America

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Are you a strategic thinker who thrives on solving complex problems and building trusted partnerships? As a Senior Trade Compliance Specialist for North America, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring our products move compliantly and efficiently across U.S. and Canadian borders. This role is more than regulatory oversight—it’s about being a proactive business partner, identifying risks, and guiding teams through change with clarity and diplomacy. Join Smith+Nephew and help us deliver life-changing technology while protecting the integrity of our global supply chain.

What will you be doing?

• Act as the Trade Compliance expert for North America, ensuring smooth and lawful cross-border movement of goods.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to assess trade risks, support regulatory changes, and maintain business continuity.
• Monitor end-to-end trade flows, resolve issues, and manage key compliance areas like classification, valuation, and licensing.
• Lead audits, training, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen compliance programs.
• Communicate with customs brokers, U.S. CBP, and external consultants with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Support strategic projects including C-TPAT, duty drawback, and digital trade tools.

What will you need to be successful?

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trust and influence across functions.
• A diplomatic and tactful communicator who can navigate sensitive topics and drive alignment without direct authority.
• Proven collaborator in matrixed environments, with a strategic mindset and relationship-building strengths.
• Detail-oriented, ethical, and proactive—able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, regulated setting.
• Comfortable working independently while knowing when to seek input or escalate with professionalism.
• Committed to continuous learning, improvement, and challenging the status quo.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade, Legal, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of hands-on experience in Global Trade Compliance, with a focus on North America.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian trade laws, USMCA, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing customs brokers and working with regulatory authorities.
• Fluent in English with effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with trade compliance platforms such as SAP GTS, Amber Road, MIC, or Descartes is strongly preferred.
• Customs Broker License or certifications such as CUSECO or CCS.
• Experience with digital transformation and automation in trade compliance.

Additional Information:

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Travel requirement: 0–20%.

YOU.UNLIMITED. We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.      
 
Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/   
Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement    
Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day    
Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program    
Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model
Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship    
Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.