Job Title: Regulatory and Trade Compliance Associate
Department: Accounting
Reports to: Director of QEHS & Compliance
Travel: Less than 10%
Location: Remote/Hybrid
Classification: Exempt
Job Summary
As the Regulatory and Trade Compliance Associate at GWS Tool Group, you will support the organization’s product regulatory, materials compliance, import, export, and responsible-sourcing activities. You will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Sales, Customer Service, Quality, EHS, Operations, Accounting, and other stakeholders to help ensure that products, materials, suppliers, and international transactions comply with applicable laws, regulations, customer requirements, and company policies.
This role supports the translation of complex requirements into practical business processes, maintains accurate compliance records, assists with customer and supplier requests, and helps identify potential risks. The position is an important part of GWS Tool Group’s commitment to responsible business practices, regulatory and trade compliance, risk reduction, and continuous improvement.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Support compliance with applicable U.S. and international import and export requirements, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and customs requirements.
- Support restricted- and denied-party screening, customer intermediary screening, transaction screening, and resolution of potential compliance red flags.
- Assist in determining export-license requirements and coordinate escalation of transactions requiring additional review or authorization.
- Prepare, review, and maintain country-of-origin declarations, USMCA certifications, certificates of origin, and other import and export documentation.
- Maintain import and export records in accordance with applicable regulatory and company record-retention requirements.
- Support product and materials compliance activities involving REACH, RoHS, TSCA, Proposition 65, PFAS requirements, conflict minerals, and other applicable product or chemical regulations.
- Coordinate responses to customer regulatory questionnaires, product-compliance requests, and requests for certifications or declarations.
- Maintain regulatory records within applicable compliance systems and databases.
- Monitor regulatory developments and communicate potential business impacts, risks, and required actions to appropriate stakeholders.
- Identify regulatory and trade-compliance gaps and coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and internal departments.
- Support development and maintenance of compliance policies, procedures, work instructions, forms, and internal controls.
- Participate in creation and maintenance of reports, metrics, and scorecards that provide visibility into compliance status, documentation gaps, risks, and corrective actions.
- Develop and deliver employee training related to trade controls, product compliance, responsible sourcing, recordkeeping, and company requirements.
- Escalate suspected violations, significant compliance gaps, and high-risk transactions through established management and legal channels.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate regulatory requirements into product development, sourcing, sales, logistics, and operational processes.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of QEHS & Compliance.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.
- One to three years of experience in regulatory compliance, trade compliance, customs, engineering, or a related field. Relevant internships, cooperative education, or manufacturing experience may be considered.
- Use of trade-compliance, materials-compliance, supplier-data, ERP, or document-management systems.
- Experience reviewing technical, supplier, customer, or regulatory documentation.
- Experience working in a manufacturing or other regulated environment is preferred.
- Exposure to import and export requirements, country-of-origin rules, sanctions screening, or free-trade agreements is preferred.
- Familiarity with one or more regulatory frameworks, such as EAR, ITAR, REACH, RoHS, TSCA, Proposition 65, PFAS requirements, conflict minerals is a plus.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft applications and related business systems.
- Ability to read and interpret regulations and technical specifications
- Analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
- Organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical and regulatory requirements to varied audiences.
- Ability to recognize compliance risks and determine when an issue requires escalation.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and multiple locations.
- Self-motivation and adaptability in response to evolving business and regulatory requirements.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to stand and walk for periods of time, including within manufacturing environments.
- Ability to use required personal protective equipment when entering manufacturing or operational areas.
- Ability to travel between locations by driving or flying.
Work Location
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel within the United States and Canada.
- Periodic travel to GWS Tool Group facilities or other business locations may be required.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.
