Associate Director, US Customs

Our Global Tax and Customs department is a team of approximately 200 people focused on tax and trade matters critical to GM’s market leadership and business success. We apply technical expertise and business insight to deliver clear, actionable advice and ensure compliance with tax and import/export laws in the markets where GM operates. This role partners with stakeholders across GM and collaborates with external tax and customs advisors to manage global tax and customs positions. The team emphasizes growth, development, and well-being through trust, flexibility, feedback, and professional opportunities.

About the role

The Associate Director, US Customs, ensures GM’s compliance with US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) regulations and oversees US trade flows, duty payments, and duty mitigation programs. This role serves as GM’s primary interface with CBP and key internal stakeholders, including Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, and R&D. The position leads managers and senior analysts responsible for US Customs operations and post-entry activities, manages a network of third-party Customs Brokers, and—alongside the North American Regional Director—owns the customs operating model and risk posture for GM’s US trade flows.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for US cross-border customs strategy and governance, ensuring efficient, resilient, and compliant processes that enable all US plant operations.
• Lead tariff implementation, impact analysis, and timely business communications.
• Oversee US border disruption management and contingency planning.
• Ensure compliance with corporate requirements and CBP obligations.
• Manage post-entry activities, including PSCs, reconciliations, prior disclosures, CBP audits, CTPAT, drawbacks, and liquidated damages.
• Own US customs duty financials, setting strategy and providing oversight for payments, accounting, monthly forecasting, multi-year outlooks, and duty budgeting across all US trade flows.
• Drive process optimization and automation using AI, analytics, and data-driven tools.
• Set the strategic direction for US customs compliance and, in partnership with the Controls & Compliance COE, design and govern the standards and controls framework for GM Customs.
• Lead GM employees and Customs Brokers in day-to-day US import operations.
• Oversee broker compliance with GM Customs policies and KPIs.
• Resolve complex import issues to support timely, cost-effective clearance.
• Advise business partners on CBP regulations and US import requirements.
• Partner cross-functionally to reduce GM’s US duty exposure.
• Onboard new business units and joint ventures.
• Develop talent, build critical capabilities, and establish succession plans for key US Customs roles.

Requirements

• 10+ years of customs and trade-related experience.
• Strong ethical judgment and compliance mindset.
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Proven leadership and people development capabilities.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Deep knowledge of tariffs, trade remedies, trade agreements, and their impact on automotive or manufacturing operations.
• Ability to present complex issues and recommendations to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Customs Broker.
• MBA, master's degree, or other advanced degree.

Schedule

Hybrid. The successful candidate is expected to report to the Global HQ in Detroit, MI, at least three times per week.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

About the company

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion, and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer, and more equitable for all. We believe in driving meaningful change through our words, deeds, and culture, ensuring every employee feels they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits

From day one, we support your well-being—at work and at home—so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career through Total Rewards resources.