Legal Counsel, Trade Compliance

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An overview of this role

Legal Counsel, Trade Compliance serves as GitLab’s subject matter expert for global trade compliance matters, providing strategic advice to GitLab Team Members, and developing and enhancing controls, policies, and processes needed to support growth and to respond to developing rules and regulations across multiple compliance domains.

We are seeking experienced Trade Compliance Counsel to lead our international trade compliance operations with primary responsibility for compliance with the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR), OFAC sanctions programs, and anti-boycott law. This role is designed for growth-minded professionals who want to expand their expertise across multiple compliance domains while leveraging their trade compliance foundation. This role requires a proactive professional who can work at pace, communicate effectively across the organization, and contribute to our broader compliance framework. 

What you'll do

• Lead daily operational oversight of GitLab's export and sanctions compliance operations
• Own sanctions screening processes - maintain screening tool and vendor relationship, train stakeholders, and serve as point of escalation
• Monitor regulatory changes, assess and advise stakeholders on impact, and implement controls as necessary
• Support commercial legal team throughout contract negotiations and related processes
• Design and deliver compliance training programs for team members at all levels
• Drive various outreach initiatives to increase awareness of key compliance developments across all compliance areas
• Support and help develop GitLab's broader corporate compliance framework
• Support corporate compliance processes 
• Support internal and external audit activities

What you'll bring

Core Requirements:

• 5-7 years of trade compliance experience with focus on U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and OFAC sanctions programs
• JD/LLB or local law degree equivalent and admission to local governing body
• Extensive experience with sanctions screening tools and processes - owning, maintaining, and optimizing screening systems and workflows
• Proven ability to assess risk and implement practical compliance solutions, leveraging technology when possible
• Experience with non-US trade control laws (optional)

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Strong interest in and aptitude for expanding compliance expertise beyond trade into areas such as anti-corruption, data privacy, employment compliance, and corporate governance (optional)
• Bias toward action with demonstrated ability to move quickly and decisively
• Ability to explain complex trade compliance requirements to non-compliance personnel across all organizational levels
• Collaborative communication style with strong interpersonal skills and flexibility and adaptability to changing regulatory landscape
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities 
• Previous experience in a remote work environment would be an added advantage
• Familiarity working across multiple time zones and cultures
• Shared interest and ability to work in accordance with GitLab values   

About the team 

Thanks to our Transparency value, you can see what we are working on in our Team page.

How GitLab will support you

• Benefits to support your health, finances, and well-being
• All remote, asynchronous work environment
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Team Member Resource Groups
• Equity Compensation & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Growth and development budget 
• Parental leave
• Home office support

Country Hiring Guidelines: GitLab hires new team members in countries around the world. All of our roles are remote, however some roles may carry specific location-based eligibility requirements. Our Talent Acquisition team can help answer any questions about location after starting the recruiting process.  

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GitLab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. GitLab’s policies and practices relating to recruitment, employment, career development and advancement, promotion, and retirement are based solely on merit, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information (including family medical history), discharge status from the military, protected veteran status (which includes disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans), or any other basis protected by law. GitLab will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. See also GitLab’s EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know during the recruiting process.