Key Responsibilities
1. Trade Compliance & Customs Management
- Serve as the company’s Customs compliance expert, ensuring all imports and exports comply with U.S. Customs Regulations (19 CFR) and related federal laws.
- Oversee import entry documentation, tariff classification (HTSUS), customs valuation, country of origin determination, and special program eligibility (e.g., USMCA, GSP, 9801/9802).
- Manage relationships with Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and CBP officials.
- Maintain and update the company’s Importer of Record (IOR) information, Customs bond, and Power of Attorney (POA) records.
- Develop and oversee internal controls and procedures aligned with CBP’s Reasonable Care and Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) principles.
- Ensure compliance with Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements (FDA, EPA, USDA, BIS, etc.).
- Conduct internal audits, broker performance reviews, and corrective action plans for compliance deficiencies.
2. Logistics Operations
- Manage and optimize international transportation and distribution networks, including ocean, air, and ground shipments.
- Negotiate rates and service agreements with carriers and logistics providers.
- Oversee shipment planning, routing, and customs clearance to minimize delays and costs.
- Ensure accurate tracking, documentation, and reporting for all global shipments.
- Collaborate with procurement, manufacturing, and warehousing teams to align logistics strategies with business goals.
3. Strategic Compliance Leadership
- Lead development of trade compliance policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training programs.
- Stay current on regulatory changes from CBP, BIS, OFAC, and other relevant agencies.
- Serve as the primary point of contact during Customs audits, Focused Assessments, or CTPAT validations.
- Support classification and licensing requirements for export controls (EAR/ITAR) when applicable.
- Partner with finance to ensure proper duty payment, drawback claims, and reconciliation filings.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field.
- 3–10 years of experience in international logistics, trade compliance, or customs operations.
- Extensive knowledge of U.S. Customs laws and regulations (19 CFR) and practical experience managing CBP compliance programs.
- Experience working with ACE, AES, HTSUS, Schedule B, and related trade systems.
- Prior experience managing third-party logistics providers and customs brokers.
- Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) credential preferred or equivalent experience.
Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and vendor management skills.
- Detail-oriented with a deep understanding of trade documentation and internal controls.
- Proficient in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and trade compliance tools (e.g., Amber Road, Descartes, Integration Point).
- Proven leadership in developing compliance frameworks and conducting staff training.
Key Competencies
- Ethical leadership and commitment to regulatory compliance
- Strategic and process-oriented mindset
- Ability to operate cross-functionally in a global business environment
- Continuous improvement and risk mitigation focus
