Principle Specialist, Trade Compliance

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Trade Compliance contact for Vietnam, partnering with Global Trade Compliance and local business teams.
• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of the Global Trade Compliance Program across Vietnam sites.
• Ensure import and export activities comply with Vietnam customs, import/export regulations, licensing requirements, and applicable global trade controls.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise senior management on potential business, operational, and compliance impacts.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Vietnam government authorities, customs officials, brokers, and relevant trade organizations.
• Conduct trade compliance audits, identify compliance gaps, implement corrective actions, and strengthen internal controls.
• Develop and deliver import/export and trade compliance training for relevant functions.
• Provide strategic trade compliance solutions to support business operations while mitigating regulatory and operational risks.
• Manage export control activities, including export holds, jurisdiction and classification determinations, licenses/permits, and related documentation.
• Coordinate with Global Trade Compliance teams on export licensing requirements and international trade compliance matters.
• Lead Vietnam import compliance activities, including customs processes, HS classification, customs valuation, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper application of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), duty reduction programs, and rules of origin in accordance with local regulations.
• Manage and monitor customs broker performance and resolve compliance issues involving brokers, suppliers, customers, and other third parties.
• Maintain accurate trade compliance records, classifications, permits, and supporting documentation.
• Support ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and other applicable management system requirements where relevant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Law, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 9 years of experience in Import/Export, Customs, or Trade Compliance, preferably within a multinational manufacturing environment.
• Extensive knowledge of Vietnam import/export laws, customs regulations, and trade compliance requirements.
• Strong hands-on experience in HS Code Classification, Customs Valuation, Import/Export Licensing, and Customs Compliance.
• Experience with Export Controls, jurisdiction/classification, export licensing, and restricted shipment management is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of Free Trade Agreements, Rules of Origin, and duty optimization programs.
• Experience conducting compliance audits, risk assessments, corrective actions, and regulatory reviews.
• Experience working directly with Vietnam Customs, government authorities, customs brokers, and logistics providers.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems; Oracle ERP experience is preferred.
• Fluent written and spoken Vietnamese and English.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and decision-making capabilities.
• High level of integrity with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with regional and global stakeholders across different time zones.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally when required.

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.