Customs Compliance Lead

Accountabilities:

• Lead and support customs compliance activities related to import and export operations, ensuring alignment with applicable government regulations, corporate policies, and established procedures.
• Develop and manage Country of Origin validation programs, including the collection, maintenance, review, and auditing of Certificates of Origin and Free Trade Agreement documentation.
• Establish systematic processes for soliciting, managing, validating, and auditing origin documentation across business units and manufacturing locations.
• Coordinate periodic country-of-origin audits, review supporting documentation, work with business units and external counsel, and identify broader compliance issues requiring remediation.
• Develop and deliver training on Country of Origin determination, customs requirements, and trade compliance practices to relevant business teams and factories.
• Monitor changes to tariff and duty programs, including HTS, Schedule B, ECCN, license exemptions, CVD/ADD, Section 301 and 201 measures, and other duty exemption programs, assessing business impacts and recommending mitigation actions.
• Monitor changes involving sanctions, embargoes, country controls, and related regulatory requirements, coordinating appropriate actions and reporting.
• Support the development and execution of ongoing audits covering country of origin, imports, exports, product classification, and other customs compliance areas.
• Review and analyze customs entries, identify requirements and discrepancies, and coordinate corrections with customs brokers and relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on post-entry activities, including Post Summary Corrections, protests, prior disclosures, voluntary tenders, drawback, and duty exemption activities.
• Develop, track, and communicate KPIs and performance metrics covering compliance, accuracy, productivity, efficiency, audits, and post-entry activity.
• Report audit findings to management and business divisions and develop action plans to address identified gaps and mitigate compliance risks.
• Support the development and maintenance of trade compliance policies, customs manuals, import/export operating procedures, process flows, and business-unit-specific documentation.
• Contribute recommendations and feedback regarding trade compliance policies and procedures.
• Identify, develop, and deliver trade compliance training in coordination with business units and customs compliance leadership.
• Communicate corporate-level trade compliance updates, regulatory bulletins, and training materials to internal stakeholders.
• Establish goals, monitor performance, and ensure activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Manage available resources and, where applicable, provide leadership to direct and indirect reports.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related discipline preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of practical experience handling customs and international trade matters, including country-of-origin support, product classification, import/export compliance, or Free Trade Agreement qualification.
• Current customs broker license or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation is desirable but not required.
• Working knowledge and direct experience with import/export operations and customs brokerage processes.
• Practical knowledge of customs compliance best practices, regulations, and government requirements.
• Experience working independently on complex assignments requiring sound judgment, initiative, decision-making, and the ability to recommend practical solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in a proactive and methodical manner.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage deadlines in a complex, high-accountability environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across organizational levels and with external customers, suppliers, brokers, and other partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear and timely reports, updates, and recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Strong self-motivation, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.
• Lean or continuous improvement experience and/or relevant certifications are an asset.
• Ability to travel occasionally, with travel expected to be less than 5%.

Benefits:

• Salary range of $100,000–$115,000, depending on qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and location.
• Potential eligibility for discretionary bonuses and incentives.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer time, and parental and caregiver leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible job-related courses after six months of service.
• Lifestyle Spending Account and employee assistance resources.
• Virtual health management and support programs, including chronic condition management and various wellbeing resources.
• Employee recognition and awards programs.
• Remote work environment with limited business travel.
• Opportunity to work on complex customs, international trade, audit, compliance, and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborative environment with opportunities to work across business units and functional teams.