Counsel, Trade Compliance

We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come… for our customers, our communities, and our planet.

Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (ABL) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.

We are positioned at the intersection of sustainability and technology. Our businesses develop technology that helps save our customers energy and reduce their carbon emissions. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications.

As Counsel, Global Customs and Trade Compliance, you will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and legal counsel on a wide range of global customs and trade compliance matters. You will lead and mature the Company's trade compliance program, collaborating closely with internal and external business partners to advise on complex and rapidly evolving trade compliance regulations. You will also partner with the internal Customs and Trade Operations team to ensure effective and compliant global customs and trade operations processes. This new position in our growing Law and Business Environment team will report to the Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Lead and manage the global trade compliance program to ensure the Company is in compliance with all applicable trade laws and regulations, including international export control laws and regulations.
• Continually analyze evolving trade laws and regulations and their impact on strategy and operations, including export controls, deemed exports, sanctions and embargos, anti-boycott laws, product classifications, export licensing, product diversion, global trade contract provisions, and customs and import-related matters.
• Own and manage the restricted party screening processes and technology, addressing and mitigating issues as they arise.
• Develop and deliver legal compliance training on global trade requirements, proposed rules or legislation, and new government programs and requirements.
• Manage trade compliance issues relating to outside service providers, including freight forwarders.
• Lead compliance analysis and efforts around classification, value, and country of origin, as well as analyze and respond to external audits and inquiries.
• Assist in due diligence of potential acquisitions and potential remediation/integration activities after acquisition.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• Proven ability to provide thoughtful and clear guidance to a variety of stakeholders, translating complex information into practical guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while developing collaborative relationships at all levels and departments in ways that enhance understanding, respect, cooperation, and problem solving.
• High level of interpersonal skills, communication skills, mature judgment, emotional intelligence, and independent thinking.
• Demonstrated experience with U.S. trade controls (EAR, ITAR, OFAC, Customs), as well as other global trade control regimes.
• Solid knowledge and experience with import and export requirements under Mexico's IMMEX program.
• Direct experience handling matters with federal agencies that regulate customs/trade.
• Experience in advising multinational businesses on trade compliance matters, including US export controls, imports/customs, sanctions and compliance program development.

Juris Doctor (JD) from a US accredited law school and admitted to practice in at least one US state.

Experience (minimum experience required)

8-10 years.

Preferred Experience (i.e. industry experience)

5+ years with responsibility for global trade compliance as in-house counsel or equivalent law firm or government agency experience.

Travel Requirements

Domestic and/or International 0 - 25%.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Brands is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Brands from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Brands mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Brands employees, or to Acuity Brands resume database will be considered Acuity Brands property. Acuity Brands will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Acuity Brands will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

The range for this position is $131,000.00 to $235,700.00. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant’s experience and geographic location.

Nearest Major Market: Atlanta
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