Vice President - International Law & Trade

Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced VP International Law & Trade to lead the organizations global legal, international trade compliance, and cross-border transaction activities. The role will be responsible for providing strategic legal counsel on global expansion, international commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and trade-related matters across multiple jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in international trade law, cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, commercial contracts, and global legal operations, with the ability to advise senior leadership on complex legal and business matters.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and oversee the organizations international legal and trade compliance function.

- Provide strategic legal guidance on global expansion, cross-border transactions, and international business operations.

- Develop and implement frameworks, policies, and processes for international trade compliance.

- Advise business and leadership teams on applicable trade laws, sanctions, export controls, customs regulations, and import/export requirements.

- Review, draft, negotiate, and manage complex international commercial agreements, contracts, partnerships, and strategic transactions.

- Provide legal support for cross-border investments, joint ventures, acquisitions, strategic alliances, and other international transactions.

- Monitor changes in international laws, regulations, and trade policies and assess their potential impact on the business.

- Manage legal risks associated with operating across multiple countries and jurisdictions.

- Lead legal due diligence for international transactions and strategic business initiatives.

- Partner with internal stakeholders including finance, procurement, compliance, tax, risk, HR, and business teams to address international legal requirements.

- Manage relationships with external legal counsel, regulatory authorities, consultants, and other professional advisors across jurisdictions.

- Establish and maintain strong corporate governance, legal risk management, and compliance frameworks.

- Oversee legal operations, including contract management, legal processes, documentation, and compliance reporting.

- Support dispute resolution, litigation management, investigations, and regulatory matters involving international operations.

- Provide timely and commercially practical legal advice to senior management and executive leadership.

- Lead, mentor, and develop legal and compliance teams supporting international business operations.

Required Skills & Experience:

- 10-20 years of relevant legal experience, preferably with significant exposure to international law and cross-border transactions.

- Strong expertise in international trade law and regulatory compliance.

- Experience advising businesses on global expansion and international commercial operations.

- Strong understanding of export controls, sanctions, customs regulations, import/export laws, and trade compliance frameworks.

- Extensive experience in drafting and negotiating international commercial contracts and agreements.

- Experience handling complex cross-border transactions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, investments, or M&A.

- Strong understanding of legal and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

- Experience working with senior executives, business leaders, regulators, and external legal advisors.

- Strong legal research, analytical, negotiation, and risk assessment capabilities.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical business recommendations.