The Sourcing Customs Compliance Lead is responsible for executing Belk’s end-to-end customs compliance strategy for all imported private brand merchandise. This role leads projects on U.S. Customs regulations, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, CTPAT initiatives, and duty optimization opportunities. The Lead provides strategic oversight of customs brokerage operations, regulatory compliance programs, audits, and trade initiatives while partnering cross-functionally with Sourcing, Transportation, Product Development, Finance, Legal, and external service providers. This position drives continuous improvement, ensures compliance with evolving trade regulations, mitigates import risk, identifies duty savings opportunities, and supports Belk’s global sourcing objectives through proactive leadership, analysis, and governance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Essential Function
- Directs the customs entry and import clearance process for all international shipments, ensuring timely release of merchandise through U.S. ports of entry, resolving escalated clearance issues, and minimizing supply chain disruptions through proactive stakeholder communication and risk management.
- Leads compliance programs related to CTPAT, ISA, Annual Notification Letter (ANL), UFLPA/forced labor regulations, and other trade compliance requirements, ensuring Belk maintains strong compliance standards and adapts to evolving regulatory expectations.
- Oversees customs reporting, analytics, and auditing activities, including monitoring duty spend, import trends, classification accuracy, periodic monthly statements, customs entry audits, and compliance metrics.
- Partners with Technology, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Sourcing, and Merchandise teams to drive system enhancements, maintain trade compliance data integrity, implement regulatory updates, and ensure accurate import-related information across enterprise platforms.
- Partners with Director on customs compliance policies, procedures, training, and governance programs.
- Manages vendor relationships with customs broker and on-boards new vendors.
- Assists with duty management and trade optimization initiatives, including free trade agreement opportunities, duty drawback considerations, tariff mitigation strategies, and product design recommendations.
- Requires designated in office hybrid work schedule
Required for All Jobs
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Complies with all policies and standards
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree required
WORK EXPERIENCE
Experience
- 5+ years of releveant work experience
- 3+ Years of Customs Broker or CCS preferred
- Prior First Sale experience preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong analytical skills and mindsight
- Detail oriented and self-motivated
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and make decisions in a changing global environment
- Strong knowledge of international shipping documentation, customs clearing and fright forwarding
- Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word
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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer:
Belk is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, hair style, hair texture, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
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