Head of Customs Brokerage
About Nuvocargo
Nuvocargo is a native AI-enabled freight brokerage and transportation management platform designed for cross-border US-Mexico trade. We combine technology, carrier relationships, and operational expertise to help shippers move goods smarter across one of the world's most complex freight corridors. Our customs brokerage team is a critical capability, and we're building it to be best-in-class.
The Role
We're looking for a licensed, bilingual customs broker to lead Nuvocargo's customs brokerage practice. This is a player-coach role: you'll own the operational execution of customs clearance while building and mentoring a small, growing team across Laredo and Mexico City. You'll serve as the subject matter expert on compliance, classification, and documentation — and be the escalation point when the complexity exceeds what the team can handle independently. You'll report directly to the COO and work cross-functionally with our cross-border, carrier, and managed transportation teams. This is a rare opportunity to shape the customs function at a well-capitalized, technology-forward freight company that's growing fast.
What You'll Do
Own day-to-day customs clearance operations for US imports and exports across the US-Mexico border
Serve as the primary escalation point for complex entries, compliance issues, and time-sensitive shipments
Ensure all clearance activity meets CBP, ACE, ABI, and USMCA requirements
Maintain and enforce internal compliance standards, SOPs, and documentation protocols
Oversee classification (HTS), valuation, and admissibility determinations
Lead and develop a team of 4 — 2 US-based (Laredo) and 2 in Mexico City — with a player-coach orientation
Build operational capacity and create a path for the team to handle higher complexity over time
Hire, onboard, and develop team members as the business scales
Customer Ownership:
Serve as the senior point of contact for customs-related customer communications
Own 100% customer retention and identify expansion opportunities in partnership with sales and account management
Build trusted relationships with key shipper contacts, particularly those with high-frequency or high-complexity border programs
Travel to customer sites as needed for relationship management and onboarding
Partner with Nuvocargo's product and ops teams to improve customs workflows within NuvoOS, our native TMS
Identify automation opportunities and help define how AI tooling can reduce manual work in the clearance process
Maintain accurate records and ensure data integrity across entries and filings
What We're Looking For
Required:
Active Licensed Customs Broker (CHB) — non-negotiable
Bilingual in English and Spanish — professional fluency required
3–10 years of experience in customs brokerage, with meaningful US-Mexico cross-border exposure
Hands-on experience with ACE, ABI, HTS classification, C-TPAT, FAST lanes, and related compliance frameworks
Strong working knowledge of USMCA, DODA, PAPS/PARS, and Carta Porte
Proven ability to manage customer relationships and escalations with a high degree of professionalism
PREFERRED:
Based in or deeply familiar with the Laredo, TX border market
Cross-border (MX-US) customs / operational knowledge
Experience leading or mentoring a customs team, even informally
Familiarity with TMS platforms and an interest in technology-forward operations
Commercial exposure — existing customer relationships or a track record of supporting business development are a plus
Experience with alcohol, food, or other regulated commodity clearances
What We Offer
Competitive base salary (range discussed during the interview process) plus performance-based bonus
Opportunity to build and lead a function from a relatively early stage at a growing company
Direct access to and partnership with company leadership
A technology-forward environment — we invest in tools that reduce manual work and create leverage for our team
Health, dental, and vision benefits
Flexible PTO
Company Information
Nuvocargo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.