North America Import / Export Trade Specialist

About the Role

The Trade Specialist supports regulatory compliance and optimizes trade operations by monitoring documentation, proposing solutions to trade-related issues, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring the smooth, timely movement of goods across borders. This role supports the overall trade strategy for the North American region, including the USA, Canada, and Mexico, focusing on compliance and import/export management.

Responsibilities

• Support Sales with proper product HTS code classification to avoid tax or quota errors.
• Request reimbursement from post-summary correction.
• Maintain control and ensure compliance with all import and export processes according to corporate and local policies.
• Evaluate new Customs requirements and supervise everyday operations according to standard procedures.
• Assess all items for import, ensure accuracy in values, and collaborate with customer brokers for clearance while maintaining required documents.
• Stay updated on changes in trade regulations, sanctions, tariffs, and free trade agreements that may impact the business.
• Provide cross-functional support by collaborating with procurement, finance, legal, and operations teams to ensure trade compliance.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to customs entries, documentation errors, or regulatory holds.
• Evaluate duty rates and identify opportunities for duty savings or trade program eligibility.
• Monitor and respond to all customs inquiries and requests, and obtain required product certifications for customs clearance.
• Consult with internal stakeholders regarding insurance, duties, and taxes.
• Provide customer service to all internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Determine initial exemption filing—and rebuttal—language and strategy within the Legal department scope.
• Support and endorse rebuttal rationale to improve the granting ratio of processes.

Requirements

• Project management skills and experience.
• Cost accounting knowledge and business acumen.
• Experience with MRP and ERP systems (SAP experience is a plus).
• Experience with logistics in air, rail, truck, and marine shipments, including material acquisition, transactional quality, and delivery of products to end users.
• Superior analytical skills for preparing and evaluating route options, duty and tax assessments, and inventory.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to report frequently to executive management at regional and corporate levels.
• Able to simplify and execute difficult, complex initiatives and problem-solving.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving international business environment under high-pressure situations to meet deadlines and exceed goals.
• Must be able to work in a matrix organization with limited direct authority.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Import/Export Compliance, Engineering, Management, Business, Economics, or a related discipline (or a combination of education and experience).
• 5+ years of experience in an import/export capacity.
• Procurement or Sourcing knowledge or experience.
• Outstanding English writing and speaking skills, with strong attention to clarity.
• Certification associated with Supply Chain Professionals (CPIM, CLTD, CSCP, SCOR, or other) is preferred.

Skills for Success

Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who:

• Communicate clearly and constructively.
• Collaborate effectively and contribute to team success.
• Adapt to change with a proactive mindset.
• Take accountability and initiative.
• Demonstrate reliability and pride in performance.
• Prioritize safety in every action.
• Embrace feedback and continuous learning.
• Maintain strong attention to detail.
• Challenge the status quo and drive improvement.
• Support and develop others through shared learning.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.
• Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability.
• Profit Sharing: Up to 4%.
• 401(k): Company match of 4.5% with no vesting period.
• Paid Parental Leave (including adoption).
• Paid Holidays: 10 days + 1 floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation Time.
• Performance-Based Bonus Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

Safety Commitment

Safety isn’t negotiable—it’s who we are. Every decision is guided by a commitment that goes beyond compliance. We set clear expectations, provide continuous training, and foster shared accountability at every level. Protecting our people is a promise we make to every colleague, every day.