Mpowering People
A global Tier 1 automotive supplier is seeking a Senior Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist to drive and manage regional customs strategy and ensure operational trade compliance across the United States and Canada. This is a highly visible individual contributor role reporting directly into senior leadership, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, global manufacturing environment and is passionate about continuous improvement in customs operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Customs Strategy & Compliance : Develop and execute customs compliance strategies across US and Canadian operations. Resolve day-to-day customs broker issues and support smooth shipment clearance processes.
- Process Optimization & Risk Management : Lead continuous improvement projects around reconciliation, ISF filings, and trade risk management. Evaluate impact of regulatory changes and proactively adjust processes.
- Supplier & Customer Interface : Oversee solicitation and qualification of supplier documentation. Respond to escalations and customer inquiries related to trade compliance, duty mitigation, and data accuracy.
- Regulatory & Audit Support : Manage responses to CBP inquiries, penalties, and information requests. Support external audits and maintain internal controls to ensure compliance with customs regulations.
- Training & Reporting : Deliver internal training on free trade agreements and compliance programs. Manage ACE/CARM accounts and generate regular KPI and audit reports.
What We’re Looking For:
- 6+ years of experience in customs and trade compliance, ideally within a high-volume manufacturing or automotive setting.
- Expertise in US and Canadian customs regulations, HTS classification, and free trade agreements (USMCA, NAFTA, etc.).
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, International Trade, or related field.
- Proven ability to manage customs risk, lead process improvements, and work cross-functionally across logistics, legal, and supply chain.
- Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under time pressure.
- Comfortable working independently in a global matrix structure; must be willing to travel occasionally across North America.