Director, Global Legal Services (Compliance)

Job description

The Director, Global Legal Services (Compliance) (“DGLSC”), will join a world-class legal department providing advice, strategy, training, and guidance on compliance issues throughout the global, international network that is Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Expeditors”), a publicly traded Fortune 500 company based in Bellevue, Washington). Working in tandem with the VP, Associate General Counsel, and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, the successful candidate for the DGLSC opportunity will be responsible for, among other programs and projects, the design, oversight, and continuous improvement of Expeditors’ global compliance program, with direct advisory engagement to and with company leadership This role does not require deep prior experience in supply chain, trade, customs brokerage,or transportation compliance.

We are seeking candidates with strong critical thinking, sound judgment, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. We welcome applicants from diverse legal and compliance backgrounds, including litigation, internal investigations, government enforcement, regulatory, and other advisory practices, who have demonstrated the ability to analyze complex issues, manage risk, and drive practical business solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

Supporting and advising leadership and business teams, including executives, managers, employee relations, technology, and operations, regarding compliance with existing and forthcoming laws and regulations, including compliance with applicable and relevant international laws and regulations. Advising (with subject-matter expertise) on issues such as import and export controls; sanctions and embargoes; denied parties and vessels; anti-corruption, antitrust, and anti-boycott laws and regulations; enterprise risk mitigation; artificial intelligence; and the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, its policies, and its standards.

Managing compliance‑related regulatory matters; internal and external investigations and audits; subpoena responses; enforcement inquiries; significant corporate litigation matters; and outside counsel, including related strategy, budgets, and reporting to Legal Department leadership. Leading core compliance projects and initiatives involving multiple internal stakeholders, including Internal Audit, Accounting/Finance, Employee Relations, Global Technology, operations, and senior business leadership.

Partnering closely with Internal Audit and Accounting/Finance to support compliance risk assessments, monitoring, whistleblower reports, and remediation efforts. Designing, implementing, and maintaining compliance policies, standards, procedures, and internal controls. Developing and delivering targeted, role‑appropriate compliance training for employees, managers, and executives. Managing, supervising, and developing direct reports, including setting priorities, providing practical guidance and feedback, supporting career development, and helping team members grow into broader legal and compliance responsibilities.

Providing effective cross-functional support inside and outside of the legal department. Contributing to Legal Department strategy, compliance program enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Travel

Expected 5% to 15%; valid passport/authorized to travel internationally required.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate, Bachelor of Laws, or equivalent degree Licensed/authorized to practice law and in good standing 12+ years of legal experience with significant responsibility for corporate compliance programs, regulatory inquiries, or government investigations matters; and/or litigation experience involving complex corporate disputes, enforcement matters, or other high-stakes legal matters; experience at a top law firm and/or in-house legal department preferred.

Impeccable integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness while also understanding the appropriate initiative and work ethic dictated by Company leadership Demonstrated people-management experience, including the ability to manage direct reports, support career development, collaborate with other practice groups, and lead cross-functional projects involving multiple internal stakeholders. Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to exercise appropriate independent initiative while remaining aligned with Company leadership and business objectives.

Significant experience advising on international compliance matters in the logistics and transport sector, including anti‑corruption, sanctions, export controls, and regulatory investigations preferred.

• Strong analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent business judgment and ability to work as part of a team and independently Fluent oral and written English required and fluency in additional languages an asset