Customs Consulting & Compliance Specialist
About the role
The Customs Consulting & Compliance Specialist promotes customs brokerage services, engages potential clients, and schedules appointments with the Customs Consulting & Compliance Manager. This role requires interfacing with all levels of a client environment—from senior executive management to operational employees—and building, maintaining, and growing client relationships. Strong regulatory, analytical, financial, business communication, and organizational skills are essential to meet consulting deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Support the selling of consulting engagements and promote AFC International as the leader in Customs and Trade consulting services.
- Identify and reach out to potential clients through phone calls, emails, and social media.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, understanding their needs to provide tailored solutions.
- Effectively communicate the benefits, features, and competitive advantages of customs brokerage services to potential clients.
- Consult with new importers on U.S. Customs and Partner Government Agency (PGA) regulations.
- Provide U.S. Customs Clearance guidance in response to existing and prospective customer questions.
- Book appointments for potential clients to meet with the Customs Consulting & Compliance Manager for detailed consultations.
- Stay current with developing trends, new regulations, and CBP or PGA programs.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required to maintain workflow and productivity.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED; Bachelor’s Degree in International Business/Trade, Supply Chain Management, or a relevant field (or equivalent combination of education and experience) preferred.
- Must possess and maintain a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification and/or US Customs Broker license, or have the ability to obtain either within 1 year of employment.
- 2+ years of experience in customs consultancy, import/export operations and compliance, or a related field (e.g., international trade, customs brokerage, or supply chain management).
- Experience using video conferencing platforms (e.g., WebEx, Zoom).
- Experience with Cargowise Customs & Compliance software is a plus.
- In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of customs brokerage operations, U.S. Customs regulations, trade procedures, customs clearance activities, filing customs entries, tariff classifications, valuations, and PGA requirements.
- Proficiency in using research resources and platforms, including internal systems, government databases, industry publications, and academic resources.
Skills
- Ability to connect with diverse audiences and communicate complex concepts clearly and influentially.
- Ability to create and deliver engaging presentations using various tools and techniques.
- Strong customer service skills to address inquiries from existing, prospective, and new clients.
- Ability to gather data, perform analysis, identify gaps, and make recommendations.
- Strong negotiation skills to close deals and secure business.
- Ability to persuade and influence potential clients in purchasing decisions.
- Problem-solving skills to manage complex transactional and emotional customer situations promptly and professionally.
- Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills to manage deadlines, prioritize workload, and adapt to changes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and video conferencing tools (WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
- Fluency in English; bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
About Us
R+L Global Logistics empowers businesses worldwide to ship smarter. We provide high-quality domestic and international transportation services, including Full Truckload (FTL), Intermodal/Rail, Expedited/Domestic Priority, service to and from Mexico and Canada, Trade Show Logistics, Supply Chain Management, High Value/High Risk Cargo, Warehousing and Fulfillment, Value Added, and Customs Brokerage. Our ability to create solutions through a wide range of transportation outlets makes us a complete global transportation provider.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life & Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Time
- Paid Holidays
- Exclusive Employee Vacation Properties