Primary Purpose
The Trade Compliance Governance APAC is responsible for providing legal and regulatory expertise and direction to the supply chain, product management, sales and marketing, and product development groups regarding trade compliance (including, but not limited to, import/export procedures, licensing, duty and tariff classifications, AEO - Secure Trade Partnership (STP), and other trade-related security requirements) to maintain compliance with all applicable regulations, and otherwise ensure the operation of an effective trade compliance program. The successful candidate for this position will be responsible for implementing and maintaining all requirements administered by the Olympus Global Trade Compliance Office for APAC.
Key Accountabilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Provide strategic oversight on import/export and Customs matters, ensuring alignment with the Trade Compliance Legal Vice President's strategy and corporate priorities
- Drive alignment of trade compliance operational processes with broader business objectives across APAC
- Identify key risk areas and opportunities, and develop integrated, scalable solutions for senior management
- Ensure regular engagement and alignment with Head of Global Trade Compliance and APAC General Counsel, fostering strong collaboration across Legal and Trade Compliance functions
2. Regulatory Advisory & Business Enablement
- Provide regulatory guidance and case-level support to business units (e.g., Medical, Endoscopy, MIS), Trade Compliance Operations, Procurement, and Supply Chain
- Advise on export control classification, licensing requirements, end-use/end-user verification, and transaction screening
- Support compliant business expansion by balancing regulatory requirements with commercial priorities
3. Customs Compliance & Optimization
- Identify and implement opportunities for Customs duty and tax optimization within country
- Lead implementation and management of Customs programs (e.g., AEO, Secure Trade Partnership (STP), simplified procedures, and other Customs regimes)
- Ensure compliance with Free Trade Agreement (FTA) requirements and drive effective utilization
4. Third-Party Oversight & Governance
- Oversee and manage policies and procedures for external partners, including customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trading companies
- Provide guidance and ensure adherence to company compliance standards by third-party service providers
- Collaborate with brokers, regulatory agents, and consultants to resolve complex Customs and trade-related issues
5. Audit, Controls & Monitoring
- Develop and manage internal assessment and audit programs in collaboration with global teams, Internal Audit, and external auditors
- Oversee periodic compliance reviews to ensure adherence to global, regional, and local trade regulations
- Ensure effective internal controls across key areas, including classification, valuation, origin, licensing, and recordkeeping
- Drive timely closure of audit findings and implementation of corrective actions
6. Incident Management & Investigations
- Lead responses to regulatory inspections, inquiries, and incident reports in coordination with Legal, Audit, and business units
- Provide expertise on trade-related litigation, compliance investigations, and voluntary disclosures
- Ensure proper documentation, escalation, and resolution of compliance matters
7. Reporting & Compliance Operations Oversight
- Oversee day-to-day compliance activities, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and internal policies
- Monitor key compliance indicators and ensure timely reporting to relevant stakeholders
- Prepare summaries, regulatory filings, and documentation required by authorities and internal governance processes
- Ensure timely execution, tracking, and closure of compliance-related activities
8. Strategic Leadership
- Strategic Thinking: Formulates clear long‑term objectives for export control, translating legal changes, external trends and regulatory signals into actionable priorities that align with corporate strategy.
- Organizational Alignment: Mobilizes cross‑functional resources and drives consistent execution of strategy across business units, ensuring export control and support APAC objectives are embedded in operational plans.
- Executive Judgment: Makes timely, well‑reasoned decisions under conditions of ambiguity or public scrutiny, balancing legal, commercial, and reputational considerations.
9. Stakeholder & Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement: Builds and sustains high‑trust relationships with senior government officials, regulators, industry associations, and internal C‑suite stakeholders to advance Olympus's interests.
- Executive Communication & Influence: Communicates complex regulatory, policy, and risk issues clearly and persuasively to senior internal and external audiences; advocates effectively while maintaining diplomacy and balance.
- Representation & Diplomacy: Acts with authority and credibility in sensitive external form, managing competing interests and protecting the company's reputation.
10. Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to enhance trade compliance processes, controls, and systems
- Drive efficiency while maintaining strong governance and compliance standards
11. Other Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of trade compliance and organizational objectives
Inherent Requirements
Formal Qualifications
- Degree in Business Administration / Operations / SCM or Law (JD from nationally accredited law school is preferred).
Key Skills / Core Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative work style, anticipate problems, succeed in resolving difficult situations and effectively communicate with all levels of stakeholders
- Ability to work independently and proactively, with minimal guidance and supervision.
- Strong aptitude for understanding and analyzing large volumes of information from multiple sources.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high level of urgency
Experience
- At least 10 years experience directly related to APAC export / import licensing, customs regulations, and trade compliance management.
- Experience in Customs clearance and HTS classification issues, including resolution mechanisms, freight forwarding, and broker management.
- Familiarity with APAC's EPA/GSP regulations and the ability to provide guidance for qualification analyses as needed.
- Familiarity with APAC export controllaws and regulations.
- Experience working in legal or compliance.
- Experience in medical devices/MedTech, supply chain, or procurement is desirable; prior Olympus experience is a plus.
Special Requirements
- Availability to travel domestically and internationally.
- Need to be available for global communication (global meetings etc.)
We are deeply committed to fostering a respectful, fair, and welcoming workplace for all individuals, perspectives, and lifestyles. We believe in fostering a non-discriminatory, inclusive work environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, in full compliance with legal standards. Empathy and unity are core to our company culture, empowering employees to contribute fully and flourish. We warmly encourage all who wish to bring their talents to Olympus to apply.
Please be informed that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
