Trade Compliance Specialist

Location: Houston, TX (hybrid — on site two days per week)

About the role

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production with operations in 32 countries and over 12,000 employees worldwide. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), KAI offers the resources of a world‑leading innovator while maintaining a people‑first culture. The Trade Compliance Specialist serves as the primary U.S. trade compliance resource, managing day‑to‑day import/export compliance processes, partnering cross‑functionally, and driving continuous improvement across trade compliance operations. This is an individual‑contributor role with functional leadership across KAI business units and global Kuraray entities.

Responsibilities

• Trade Compliance Leadership: Serve as the primary trade compliance resource for Kuraray America, providing guidance and support for import and export compliance activities across multiple business units. Lead the execution and continuous improvement of trade compliance processes, policies, and internal controls to ensure compliance with U.S. customs and export regulations.
• Compliance Risk & Controls: Protect the business by identifying compliance risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing corrective actions that strengthen operational controls. Monitor changes in global trade regulations and translate regulatory developments into practical business guidance and action plans.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership: Partner with Logistics, Procurement, Customer Service, and other stakeholders to embed trade compliance requirements into day‑to‑day business operations. Manage key relationships with customs brokers, government agencies, and external service providers to ensure efficient and compliant cross‑border operations.
• Cost & Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency through programs such as duty savings initiatives, trade agreement utilization, process enhancements, and automation.
• Training & Compliance Culture: Influence and educate the organization by providing training, developing best practices, and fostering a culture of compliance and accountability across the enterprise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in import, export, trade compliance, customs brokerage, logistics, or a related field; equivalent education, certifications, and experience will be considered
• Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations and compliance requirements, including customs, import/export controls, classification, and trade documentation
• Experience working with customs brokers, government agencies, and trade compliance systems such as ACE
• Demonstrated ability to assess risk, solve complex problems, and implement practical compliance solutions that support business objectives
• Proven success building relationships and collaborating across functions, including Logistics, Procurement, Customer Service, Operations, and external business partners
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence decisions, provide training, and effectively communicate regulatory requirements to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive results in a dynamic business environment
• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time
• Experience supporting trade programs such as Free Trade Agreements, Foreign Trade Zones, bonded warehousing, duty drawback, post‑entry amendments, or duty optimization initiatives is preferred

Skills

• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions
• Business Insight: Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Values Difference: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
• Courage: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations

Benefits

• Robust healthcare package including wellness reimbursements
• Three weeks of paid time off
• Ten company holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Education reimbursement
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Additional perks and offerings