Role Overview for Director-to-VP Export Controls & Sanctions with a Medical Device Company–Tampa, FL
JRG Partners is proud to exclusively represent a pioneering global medical device company in their search for a strategic and visionary Director-to-VP of Export Controls & Sanctions. Based in the vibrant hub of Tampa, Florida, this is a career-defining opportunity to build, lead, and shape the future of global trade compliance for an organization dedicated to improving and saving lives worldwide. The company is a leader in its field, known for its cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to ethical practices. This newly created position reflects the company’s significant global growth and the increasing complexity of the international regulatory landscape.
As the senior-most subject matter expert, you will be the architect and steward of the company’s comprehensive export controls and economic sanctions compliance program. This is not merely an oversight role; it is a strategic leadership position with a clear trajectory to a Vice President title. You will report directly to the Chief Compliance Officer and work closely with the executive leadership team, including the General Counsel, CFO, and heads of R&D, Supply Chain, and International Sales. Your mission will be to provide the strategic direction and hands-on leadership required to ensure the company navigates the intricate web of global trade regulations with integrity and precision. You will be empowered to design and implement best-in-class policies, procedures, and systems that not only mitigate risk but also act as a strategic enabler for continued international expansion and market penetration. This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance rigorous compliance with commercial objectives, fostering a culture where compliance is viewed as a competitive advantage.
Key Responsibilities of Director-to-VP Export Controls & Sanctions with a Medical Device Company–Tampa, FL
The successful candidate will assume ultimate responsibility for the company’s global trade compliance posture. This includes a wide range of strategic and operational duties:
Strategic Program Development
Design, implement, manage, and continuously enhance a robust, risk-based global export controls and sanctions compliance program that aligns with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Analysis and Interpretation
Serve as the primary authority on U.S. and international trade regulations. Proactively monitor, interpret, and analyze evolving laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and various sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Conduct comprehensive and periodic risk assessments of the company’s global operations, supply chain, third-party relationships, and new business initiatives to identify and mitigate potential trade compliance risks.
Classification and Jurisdiction
Establish and oversee a systematic process for accurately classifying all products, software, and technology under relevant export control lists (e.g., Commerce Control List, U.S. Munitions List) to determine licensing requirements.
Licensing and Authorizations
Manage the entire lifecycle of export licensing, from determining the need for a license to application, implementation, and tracking. Act as the primary liaison with government agencies such as the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and OFAC.
Screening and Due Diligence
Develop and manage a sophisticated screening program for customers, suppliers, partners, and other third parties against denied party lists, sanctioned entity lists, and other relevant watchlists. Oversee end-use and end-user controls.
Global Training and Communication
Create and deploy engaging, role-based training programs to educate employees at all levels on their trade compliance responsibilities. Foster a global culture of compliance awareness and accountability.
Audits, Investigations, and Disclosures
Lead internal audits of the compliance program, manage responses to government inquiries, and oversee external audits. Direct internal investigations into potential compliance violations and manage any necessary voluntary disclosures.
Executive Advisory
Provide expert counsel and strategic advice to senior management and the Board of Directors on trade compliance matters, offering insights that inform critical business decisions, mergers and acquisitions, and international strategy.
Technology and Systems Management
Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of trade compliance software and systems (e.g., GTM platforms, screening tools) to automate and strengthen compliance processes.
Team Leadership and Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of trade compliance professionals, fostering their professional growth and ensuring the department has the skills and resources to meet the company’s needs.
Requirements for the Director-to-VP Export Controls & Sanctions with a Medical Device Company–Tampa, FL
This senior leadership role demands a seasoned professional with deep technical expertise and proven leadership capabilities. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Law, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12-15+ years of direct, progressive experience in export controls, sanctions, and international trade compliance. A significant portion of this experience must have been gained within a complex, multinational corporate environment.
Industry Expertise
Experience in the medical device, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or a similarly regulated high-technology industry is highly desirable.
Regulatory Mastery
Expert-level, practical knowledge of U.S. export control laws (EAR, ITAR) and OFAC sanctions regulations. Demonstrable experience handling complex licensing, classification, and enforcement matters. Familiarity with non-U.S. trade compliance regimes (e.g., EU, UK) is a significant asset.
Proven Leadership
A track record of successfully building, leading, and scaling a global trade compliance function. Experience managing and developing a team of compliance professionals is essential.
Strategic Acumen
The ability to think strategically and translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical, business-oriented solutions and policies. Experience advising C-suite executives is critical.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Must be capable of articulating complex compliance issues clearly and persuasively to both legal and non-legal audiences, from engineers to the Board of Directors.
Integrity and Judgment
Unquestionable personal integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
Project Management
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to drive multiple complex projects to completion in a fast-paced environment.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) are considered a plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience, coupled with a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
Meaningful participation in the company’s long-term incentive plan, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs), aligning your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan featuring a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, supplemented by numerous company-paid holidays.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for the exceptional candidate moving to the Tampa, Florida area.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to your professional development, with support for continuing education, certifications, and industry conference attendance.
Impactful Culture
The opportunity to work within a mission-driven organization where your contributions directly impact global health outcomes.
How to Apply
This is a retained, exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this unique and impactful leadership opportunity, interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and a detailed cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
JRG Partners specializes in placing elite professionals in niche and critical roles within the legal and compliance sectors. To learn more about our dedicated practice and other exclusive opportunities, please visit our Global Trade Compliance & Customs page. We look forward to connecting with you.
