Regional Trade Compliance Specialist, APAC

Position: Trade Compliance Specialist

Hierarchy Level: Professional or Senior

Functional Family: Logistics

Sub Function: Trade Compliance

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of Regional Logistics – APAC, the Regional APAC Trade Compliance Specialist ensures compliance with applicable export control regulations across the Asia Pacific region. The role supports the accuracy and quality of master data essential for trade compliance operations, while bearing direct responsibility for the operational execution and coordination of daily trade compliance processes. The position assumes both strategic and coordination functions alongside independent execution of operational trade compliance activities within daily business operations. Based in Singapore with regional travel required.

Job Responsibilities:

Report to Head of Regional Logistics - APAC, the incumbent will handle the following duties:

Export Control Compliance:

Monitor and ensure adherence to regional and international export control regulations (e.g. US ECCN / EAR, China ECN / Export Control regulations).

Develop and implement regional policies, procedures, and internal controls to maintain compliance.

Conduct risk assessments, audits, and mitigation strategies related to export control activities.

Stay updated on regulatory developments and proactively communicate relevant changes to key stakeholders.

Perform daily export control screening activities and approval processes as part of operational business procedures.

Manage and resolve export control cases; provide escalation support within the APAC region.

Maintain and update export control-related master data and system parameters.

Support the handling of governmental inquiries, licensing requirements, and documentation obligations.

Oversee and review day-to-day import and export documentation across APAC markets, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations.

Liaise with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders to resolve documentation discrepancies and shipment holds.

Master Data Quality Management:

Supervise the creation, maintenance, and accuracy of master data related to trade compliance.

Create, maintain, update, and ensure the quality of trade compliance and export control-related master data within designated systems, including SAP GTS.

Perform regular data quality reviews and correct identified data inaccuracies.

Process and manage master data requests from APAC entities.

Support system testing, data validation, and data migration activities related to trade compliance.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data consistency across systems like SAP GTS.

Training & Support:

Provide training on export control regulations and trade compliance master data processes to internal teams.

Act as the subject matter expert, advising on trade compliance matters across the APAC supply chain.

Develop and maintain internal trade compliance SOPs and guidelines across APAC entities.

Operational Responsibility:

Independently perform and manage operational trade compliance activities as part of daily business operations.

Ensure the timely processing of requests, compliance checks, and master data changes.

Combine subject matter expertise, process oversight, and operational execution within the APAC region.

Manage country-specific trade compliance exceptions, including Free Trade Agreement (FTA) preferential origin claims, dual-use goods classifications, and export licensing requirements.

Engage with customs authorities and government agencies on trade rulings, permits, and exemptions across APAC jurisdictions.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in International Trade, Law, or related studies.

3–8 years of relevant trade compliance or export control experience within the APAC region, ideally gained within an international, product-based organisation in a similar or related industry, operating within a highly matrixed, multi-country environment.

Strong knowledge of APAC export control regulations (e.g., dual-use items, sanctions, and export restrictions).

Demonstrate success managing global trade systems integration projects across cross-border and matrixed environments.

Detail-oriented, analytical, with business acumen and the ability to translate strategy into execution and deliver tangible results.

Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in dynamic and evolving business environments, with a hands-on and adaptable approach when required.

Proficiency in SAP GTS or comparable trade compliance management systems.

Business-fluent English and Chinese with excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills; additional regional language proficiency (Japanese, Bahasa, or Korean) is an advantage.

Willingness to travel within the Asia Pacific region.

Professional Competencies:

Achievements

Analytical skills

Business and financial acumen

Champion customer satisfaction

Communication

Cultural Fit

Ownership

Execution

Experience

Initiative

Professional suitability

Legal knowledge

Logistics Expertise

Negotiation skills

Quality Management Expertise

Strategic thinking

Stability

Technical

Technological

Culture Competencies:

Become better everyday

Break new ground

Champion customers satisfaction

Demonstrate ownership

Trust and collaborate