Customs & Trade Compliance Manager

Job Title

Senior Customs & Trade Compliance Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Customs & Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for leading and governing all U.S. customs and trade compliance activities across the company’s manufacturing, sourcing, and import operations. This role owns end-to-end compliance strategy, ensures adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, mitigates duty and penalty risk, and establishes standardized trade compliance governance across entities, brokers, and logistics partners.

Key Responsibilities

Customs & Trade Compliance Leadership

• Own and execute the U.S. customs and trade compliance framework, policies, and procedures
• Act as the primary internal authority on CBP regulations and U.S. import compliance
• Provide strategic guidance to supply chain, procurement, logistics and manufacturing teams

Tariff Classification & Valuation

• Lead and approve HTS classification determinations across all imported materials, equipment, and finished goods
• Ensure consistency and audit-ready documentation across entities and brokers

Country of Origin & Trade Programs

• Determine and validate country-of-origin for complex manufacturing and multi-country supply chains
• Manage Free Trade Agreement (FTA) programs where applicable
• Support marking, labeling, and origin disclosure requirements

Trade Remedies & Risk Management

• Manage exposure related to AD/CVD, Section 301, Section 232, and other trade remedies
• Monitor regulatory and tariff changes and assess financial and operational impact

Broker & Third-Party Governance

• Oversee customs brokers and ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in filings
• Establish broker KPIs, SOPs, and audit processes
• Serve as escalation point for entry errors, disputes, and corrective actions

CBP Audits, Disclosures & Government Interaction

• Lead CBP audits, inquiries, and requests for information (CF28/CF29)
• Prepare and manage prior disclosures when required
• Act as primary point of contact with CBP and external trade counsel

Compliance Programs & Internal Controls

• Develop and maintain internal compliance manuals, SOPs, and training programs
• Support CTPAT, ISA, or other trusted trader initiatives (if applicable)
• Partner with internal audit, legal, and finance on compliance controls

Reporting & Analytics

• Track duty spends, savings initiatives, penalties, and compliance KPIs
• Provide executive-level reporting on trade compliance risk and performance

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Finance, Law, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred but not required

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in U.S. customs and trade compliance
• Strong hands-on experience with:
• HTS classification
• Customs valuation
• Country-of-origin analysis
• CBP audits and disclosures
• Experience supporting manufacturing, capital equipment, or complex BOM imports strongly preferred
• Proven experience managing customs brokers and external partners

Technical & Regulatory Expertise

• Deep working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR)
• Practical experience with AD/CVD and U.S. trade remedy programs
• Familiarity with FTAs, marking rules, and import compliance systems
• Strong documentation, audit, and risk-assessment skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB)
• Experience in high-volume, high-value, or highly regulated import environments
• Experience supporting U.S. manufacturing or greenfield manufacturing ramp-ups