S&S Activewear
Sr Manager Global Customs Logistics (Remote Available)
S&S Activewear, Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States, 60440
About Us
S&S Activewear is a leading North American, tech-enabled specialty distributor of imprintable apparel, including t-shirts, fleece, athletic wear, headwear, workwear, scrubs and accessories. We pride ourselves on being the “critical link” that enables our 100+ brand partners such as Adidas, Columbia and Gildan to reach our hyper-fragmented base of customers, comprised of apparel decorators, eRetailers and promotional products distributors that embellish apparel items for diverse end consumer use cases (e.g., everyday wear, concerts, fitness attire, life events, team sports, etc.). At S&S, we differentiate in the market through a customer service focus, strategic product portfolio, world-class distribution infrastructure, a collaborative growth culture and a relentless focus on technology and innovation. About The Role
The Senior Manager, Global Customs Logistics is a pivotal leader responsible for driving international trade compliance and logistics performance across all regions of operation. This role integrates hands‑on execution with strategic oversight to ensure adherence to global trade regulations, optimize import/export processes, and foster strong partnerships with customs authorities, brokers, and third‑party logistics providers. As a key member of the supply chain leadership team, this individual collaborates cross‑functionally with Product Development, Merchandising, Operations, Finance, and external trade partners to develop and implement solutions that mitigate risk, accelerate delivery, and maximize value throughout the global supply network. Schedule
Monday‑Friday, Full‑Time, Exempt Remote & Travel
While we prefer candidates to be based near one of our distribution centers to support stronger collaboration and operational alignment, remote work is available for the right candidate. This role requires up to 30% travel, depending on business needs. What You Will Do
Global Customs & Trade Compliance
Lead compliance with international trade programs including C‑TPAT, PIP, FTZ, and other country‑specific regulations. Oversee classification, valuation, and entry processes in partnership with customs brokers and internal teams. Monitor global tariff changes, trade agreements, and geopolitical shifts to proactively manage risk and cost exposure. Develop and maintain customs policies, SOPs, and audit protocols to ensure consistent compliance across all regions. Manage Binding Ruling requests and tariff engineering initiatives to optimize duty spend. International Logistics Strategy & Execution
Own relationships with freight forwarders, NVOCCs, ocean carriers, and drayage providers across origin and destination points. Lead RFPs, rate negotiations, and performance reviews for global logistics partners. Design and implement flow path strategies balancing cost, service, and inventory needs across multiple ports and modes. Collaborate with foreign offices and suppliers to ensure timely bookings, shipment visibility, and proactive issue resolution. Stay current on market conditions and lead contingency planning for disruptions in ocean, air, and ground transportation. Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Develop and report KPIs for customs compliance, logistics performance, and cost‑to‑serve metrics. Leverage ERP and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) to analyze trends and identify improvement opportunities. Drive continuous improvement initiatives with internal and external partners to enhance data integrity, reporting, and SOPs. Cross‑Functional Leadership & Collaboration
Act as the primary customs and logistics liaison to Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, Operations and Finance teams. Provide strategic consultation on product design and sourcing decisions to minimize importation risks and costs. Lead internal training and education efforts to build organizational awareness of trade compliance and logistics best practices. Represent the company in communications with government agencies and industry groups. What We’re Looking For
12–15+ years of progressive experience in global customs, trade compliance, and international logistics. Proven leadership experience collaborating cross‑functional teams and external trade partners. Deep knowledge of global trade regulations, incoterms, FTAs, and customs programs (C‑TPAT, PIP, FTZ). Strong analytical skills with experience in ERP systems and data tools (Snowflake, Power BI). Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, matrixed, and global environment. What Success Looks Like
Reduced landed costs through strategic tariff planning and optimized flow paths. Zero compliance violations and successful audit outcomes across all regions. High‑performing logistics network with measurable improvements in speed, cost, and service. Strong cross‑functional alignment and proactive risk mitigation across the supply chain. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. Working Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Diversity & Inclusion
S&S Activewear welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating a diverse culture and supporting human growth. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We conduct business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer, and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons. S&S participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check. Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full‑time Job function
Management and Manufacturing Industries
Retail Apparel and Fashion
#J-18808-Ljbffr
S&S Activewear is a leading North American, tech-enabled specialty distributor of imprintable apparel, including t-shirts, fleece, athletic wear, headwear, workwear, scrubs and accessories. We pride ourselves on being the “critical link” that enables our 100+ brand partners such as Adidas, Columbia and Gildan to reach our hyper-fragmented base of customers, comprised of apparel decorators, eRetailers and promotional products distributors that embellish apparel items for diverse end consumer use cases (e.g., everyday wear, concerts, fitness attire, life events, team sports, etc.). At S&S, we differentiate in the market through a customer service focus, strategic product portfolio, world-class distribution infrastructure, a collaborative growth culture and a relentless focus on technology and innovation. About The Role
The Senior Manager, Global Customs Logistics is a pivotal leader responsible for driving international trade compliance and logistics performance across all regions of operation. This role integrates hands‑on execution with strategic oversight to ensure adherence to global trade regulations, optimize import/export processes, and foster strong partnerships with customs authorities, brokers, and third‑party logistics providers. As a key member of the supply chain leadership team, this individual collaborates cross‑functionally with Product Development, Merchandising, Operations, Finance, and external trade partners to develop and implement solutions that mitigate risk, accelerate delivery, and maximize value throughout the global supply network. Schedule
Monday‑Friday, Full‑Time, Exempt Remote & Travel
While we prefer candidates to be based near one of our distribution centers to support stronger collaboration and operational alignment, remote work is available for the right candidate. This role requires up to 30% travel, depending on business needs. What You Will Do
Global Customs & Trade Compliance
Lead compliance with international trade programs including C‑TPAT, PIP, FTZ, and other country‑specific regulations. Oversee classification, valuation, and entry processes in partnership with customs brokers and internal teams. Monitor global tariff changes, trade agreements, and geopolitical shifts to proactively manage risk and cost exposure. Develop and maintain customs policies, SOPs, and audit protocols to ensure consistent compliance across all regions. Manage Binding Ruling requests and tariff engineering initiatives to optimize duty spend. International Logistics Strategy & Execution
Own relationships with freight forwarders, NVOCCs, ocean carriers, and drayage providers across origin and destination points. Lead RFPs, rate negotiations, and performance reviews for global logistics partners. Design and implement flow path strategies balancing cost, service, and inventory needs across multiple ports and modes. Collaborate with foreign offices and suppliers to ensure timely bookings, shipment visibility, and proactive issue resolution. Stay current on market conditions and lead contingency planning for disruptions in ocean, air, and ground transportation. Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Develop and report KPIs for customs compliance, logistics performance, and cost‑to‑serve metrics. Leverage ERP and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) to analyze trends and identify improvement opportunities. Drive continuous improvement initiatives with internal and external partners to enhance data integrity, reporting, and SOPs. Cross‑Functional Leadership & Collaboration
Act as the primary customs and logistics liaison to Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, Operations and Finance teams. Provide strategic consultation on product design and sourcing decisions to minimize importation risks and costs. Lead internal training and education efforts to build organizational awareness of trade compliance and logistics best practices. Represent the company in communications with government agencies and industry groups. What We’re Looking For
12–15+ years of progressive experience in global customs, trade compliance, and international logistics. Proven leadership experience collaborating cross‑functional teams and external trade partners. Deep knowledge of global trade regulations, incoterms, FTAs, and customs programs (C‑TPAT, PIP, FTZ). Strong analytical skills with experience in ERP systems and data tools (Snowflake, Power BI). Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, matrixed, and global environment. What Success Looks Like
Reduced landed costs through strategic tariff planning and optimized flow paths. Zero compliance violations and successful audit outcomes across all regions. High‑performing logistics network with measurable improvements in speed, cost, and service. Strong cross‑functional alignment and proactive risk mitigation across the supply chain. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. Working Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Diversity & Inclusion
S&S Activewear welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating a diverse culture and supporting human growth. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We conduct business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer, and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons. S&S participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check. Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full‑time Job function
Management and Manufacturing Industries
Retail Apparel and Fashion
#J-18808-Ljbffr