Supervisor, International Trade Compliance and Transportation

Job Summary

The Supervisor, International Trade Compliance and Transportation provides day-to-day leadership and functional oversight for the International Trade Compliance and Transportation team, ensuring the compliant, efficient, and reliable execution of import, export, and transportation activities. Applies advanced knowledge of trade laws, tariff requirements, customs regulations, and transportation practices to interpret requirements, establish priorities, resolve complex operational issues, and provide timely guidance that supports business decisions and mitigates risk. Coordinates with customs brokers, freight forwarders, suppliers, global affiliates, warehouse operations, and internal stakeholders to strengthen controls, improve processes, and maintain regulatory readiness. Accountable for team performance, service delivery, and continuous improvement within the function, with decisions directly affecting compliance, cost, operational continuity, and the movement of goods.

Responsibilities

• Leads and develops a team of international trade compliance and transportation professionals
• Observes and evaluates team member performance; conducts regular performance reviews and works with Materials and Supply Chain Manager to ensure performance aligns with departmental initiatives when evaluating merit reviews
• Assists in determining appropriate staffing levels
• Leads trade compliance operations, including HTS classification, ECCN, and internal import/export processes, serving as primary contact for transportation reporting and analytics
• Leads training, mentoring, and developing all associates involved in import / export compliance, which include, but not limited to, transportation, distribution center, and accounting
• Maintains advanced, current knowledge of tariff laws, regulations, rates, and emerging developments, and provides timely, relevant guidance to support compliant import and export decisions.
• Provides leadership and direction to Supply Chain Services associates regarding day-to-day operations and projects focused on transportation and import / export compliance
• Develops and maintains internal process specification(s) in field of expertise
• Works with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and suppliers to ensure full compliance for all import/export transactions
• Works with customs broker to resolve questions and provide information as needed for timely customs clearance; supports preparation of post-entry adjustments for submission to customs or customs broker
• Follows established record keeping, maintaining country specific records, trade agreement files, prepare forms required for global import/export, as applicable
• Audits import entries and export transactions as applicable, to reconcile and ensure accuracy of broker charges
• Verifies and validates third party invoices and supporting documentation for duties, fees, surcharges, etc., coordinating such activities with accounting
• Identifies product qualification for preferential duty treatment under trade agreements
• Works with corporate headquarters to support carrier selection, contract negotiations, carrier performance, with focused efforts on continuous process enhancements
• Generates performance invoices for international shipments when needed
• Other role related responsibilities as assigned by manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field
• 15 (+) years’ relevant experience preferred, including demonstrated ability to lead others, either directly or indirectly
• MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred
• Professional certification in international trade, customs compliance, or supply chain management preferred
• Experience with global trade management, transportation management, or ERP systems preferred
• Advanced knowledge of international trade regulations and customs compliance, including C-TPAT Security and Trade Compliance, ECCN and HTS classification, and Incoterms.
• Refined knowledge of international transportation systems
• Knowledge of Phoenix Contact global operations
• Refined organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently multi-task, prioritize, solve problems, and make recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks, and be detail oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Advanced computer knowledge/skill in Microsoft Office
• Customs brokerage license preferred
• Demonstrate initiative by understanding what actions need to be taken and completing the required tasks while seeking the perspective of others as required
• Demonstrate an honest and forthright presence by taking responsibility for own mistakes and not blaming others, and by doing what he / she commits to doing
• Work as a team player to make a difference within the business and express gratitude and appreciation to others who have provided information, assistance, or support
• Readily handle change through taking advantage of lifelong learning opportunities and being open minded and curious in the face of new challenges

Essential Job Functions

• Must be able to withstand long periods (up to 4 hours without a break)
• Must be able to read and write fluently in English
• Must be professional, ethical, and customer-focused
• Must be willing to travel internationally
• Must be willing to work over-time as needed
• Regular and on-time attendance
• This is a hybrid position unless otherwise agreed upon requiring 3 days in the office.  

Perks & Benefits

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, life insurance, short & long-term disability, on-site gym access, health & wellbeing center, on-site café, walking trails, tuition assistance, and more!

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