Director, International Trade Compliance

Photronics, Inc. is a publicly traded global leader in photomask technology and photolithography solutions, serving the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers and foundries. With operations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, we enable the production of semiconductors across both mature and advanced technology nodes through our cutting-edge photomask solutions and comprehensive process expertise.

Position Summary:

This role requires a senior compliance leader to oversee our global export controls and trade compliance program. This role is based in Hsinchu, Taiwan, reporting directly to the Head of Global Supply Chain, with a dotted line to the Photronics' General Counsel in the U.S. You'll oversee a team of professionals located across various areas of Photronics' global operations landscape - U.S., U.K., Germany, Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Singapore.

As the company's subject matter expert and strategic leader on trade compliance, you'll design, refine, and future-proof our programs as the global import and export landscape evolves. You'll partner closely with international trade specialists embedded within the supply chain organization to establish systems, controls, and practical solutions to compliance challenges. The role will have a focus on U.S. export regulations, including EAR jurisdictional analysis, effectively balancing regulatory rigor with the speed and agility required to keep our business moving.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy & Program Management:

• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of the Trade Compliance Program (TCP).
• Anticipate and adapt program structures to align with existing and evolving U.S. and international trade laws.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. (EAR, OFAC, etc.), Taiwan, EU, Japan, Korea, China, and other export control regulations.
• Prepare documentation to satisfy government audits, regulatory requirements, and internal/external reviews.

Product & Technology Classification & Jurisdictional Analysis:

• Classify products, software, and technology under HS Code, ECCN, SHTC, and other applicable controls, including determinations of EAR99, dual-use, or military status.
• Perform EAR jurisdictional analyses, including foreign direct product rule and de minimis analyses.

Customer & Transaction Screening:

• Oversee Denied Party Screening (DPS) for customers, suppliers, and partners (e.g., SDN List, Entity List).
• Obtain and verify end-use and end-user certifications to prevent diversion to military or prohibited applications.
• Escalate "catch-all" cases requiring licensing or government engagement.

Export Licensing & Applications:

• Lead preparation and submission of export license applications with Taiwan BOFT, U.S. BIS, and other global authorities.
• Establish standardized processes and controls to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant applications across regions.
• Track application progress, proactively engage with regulators, and resolve inquiries or supplemental requests.
• Maintain complete license records and audit trails; oversee internal training on license conditions and obligations.
• Advise leadership and cross-functional teams on licensing requirements, timelines, and business impacts, adjusting strategy as regulations evolve.

Training & Internal Audits:

• Develop and deliver global training on export controls and compliance awareness.
• Lead internal and external audits of TCP implementation.
• Establish clear reporting and escalation mechanisms for potential violations.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Serve as the company's subject matter expert on export/import compliance and program design.
• Collaborate with international trade specialists within the supply chain to implement systems and solutions that resolve compliance issues without slowing operations.
• Advise the executive team on emerging risks, sanctions updates, and regulatory trends.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Sales, Logistics, Procurement, R&D, and Legal to embed compliance into business practices.
• Shape global compliance strategy to protect market access and supply chain resilience.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement:

• Monitor regulatory frameworks, sanctions, and geopolitical developments.
• Assess potential business impacts and recommend mitigation strategies to leadership.
• Continuously refine compliance processes to minimize risks while preserving business agility.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive trade compliance experience; 5+ years in a global leadership role.
• Deep expertise in U.S. export controls (EAR & OFAC) with proven ability to build scalable programs.
• Knowledge of Taiwan, EU, U.K., China, Japan, and Korea trade regulations.
• Experience shaping compliance strategy and advising senior executives.
• Strong leadership background managing globally dispersed teams.
• Bachelor's degree required, JD or advanced degree in Law, International Trade, or related field preferred.
• US citizen status a plus, but not required.