Sr Customs Compliance Specialist

Principal Functional Responsibilities

• Lead HTS tariff classification activities, including classification research, binding ruling analysis, and maintenance of the company's classification database
• Conduct country of origin determinations applying substantial transformation analysis and applicable rules of origin under free trade agreements
• Administer antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) compliance programs, shipment tracking, case documentation, and regulatory reporting
• Manage Lacey Act compliance activities, including harvest affidavit verification, species identification, and supply chain due diligence documentation
• Oversee customs broker relationships, including performance monitoring, billing reconciliation, and issue resolution with third-party brokers
• Conduct in-depth monthly entry audits and lead post-entry reviews to ensure import compliance; prepare and file Prior Disclosures and Protests as needed
• Manage ACE Trade Accounts, including running reports and maintaining internal tracking logs for liquidation, refunds, and CBP requests (CF-28s, CF-29s)
• Administer customs bond programs and coordinate Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) processing with Accounting/Finance
• Monitor regulatory changes across tariff programs (Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA, AD/CVD) and assess operational and financial impact to the business
• Administer Free Trade Agreement (FTA) certificate solicitation and verification programs; conduct certificate of origin audits
• Support supplier compliance audit programs, including Supplier Business Practices (SBP) audits and supply chain mapping initiatives
• Develop and maintain compliance procedures, training materials, and internal control documentation

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation required; Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in customs compliance, trade compliance, or customs brokerage for an importer or licensed customs broker
• Demonstrated expertise in HTS tariff classification, including application of the General Rules of Interpretation and use of binding rulings
• Strong working knowledge of country-of-origin (COO) rules, substantial transformation analysis, and free trade agreement (FTA) qualification
• Experience administering antidumping and countervailing duty cases, including familiarity with scope rulings, certifications, and EAPA investigations
• Knowledge of Lacey Act requirements, including plant product declarations and supply chain due diligence
• Proficiency with ACE and customs broker portal systems
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, pivot tables, and VLOOKUP functions
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to build positive partnerships and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Active Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) in good standing
• Experience in the lumber, wood products, furniture, or cabinet manufacturing industry
• Experience with forced labor compliance programs, including UFLPA and supply chain risk assessment
• Experience participating in audits, Focused Assessments, or C-TPAT certification
• Experience conducting international supplier audits for trade compliance purposes
• Additional certifications such as Master Customs Specialist (MCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES) or Master Export Specialist (MES)
• Familiarity with Southeast Asian supply chains (Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia)
• Familiarity with APAC and EU supply chains