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Jobs · Supply Chain · Illinois

Trade Compliance Specialist Lead

DSJ Global · Chicago, IL · 1 mo ago
HybridSupply ChainFull-time

Key Responsibilities

Lead and rebuild daily trade compliance operations, establishing standardized procedures and improving outdated processes

Serve as the primary subject matter expert on complex import/export compliance matters

Develop and maintain scalable processes ensuring accurate and compliant entry records

Create and standardize product classification processes using HTS, Schedule B, and HS codes; cleanse and validate existing data to ensure accuracy and optimize duty savings

Provide hands-on training and guidance to internal stakeholders on import/export requirements and compliance standards

Create and implement documentation workflows (e.g., Certificates of Origin, Manufacturer Affidavits); identify and resolve process gaps

Review and correct import/export documentation, improving accuracy, consistency, and compliance; identify duty drawback opportunities

Support and enhance post-entry correction processes, ensuring audit readiness and documentation integrity

Build reporting frameworks and KPIs to monitor compliance performance, audit readiness, and operational efficiency

Partner with internal teams (including Legal) to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements such as sanctioned party screening

Maintain relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders, including Power of Attorney processes and documentation governance

Drive corrective actions stemming from audits and compliance issues, implementing sustainable improvements

Education & Certifications

  • Required: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field
  • PREFERRED/REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or Licensed Customs Broker
  • STRONG ADVANCED EXCEL/Data Analysis Capability (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data cleansing)
  • PREFERRED: Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)
  • LEAN SIX SIGMA (Green Belt or higher)

Required Experience & Skills

  • 7+ years of experience in logistics/trade compliance with deep expertise in import/export regulations
  • PROVEN EXPERTISE IN U.S. TRADE REGULATIONS (CBP, BIS, EAR, OFAC, FTA rules, valuation, origin, duty programs)
  • EXPERIENCE CLEANING, ORGANIZING, AND VALIDATING LARGE DATASETS (ERP, broker data, classification records)
  • DEMONSTRATED SUCCESS BUILDING OR IMPROVING TRADE COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS, SOPs, AND WORKFLOWS FROM SCRATCH
  • EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH ERP SYSTEMS (Oracle, SAP, or similar), INCLUDING TRADE COMPLIANCE MODULES
  • ABILITY TO DESIGN COMPLIANCE REPORTING TOOLS, DASHBOARDS, AND AUDIT METRICS
  • HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE MANAGING IMPORT/EXPORT DOCUMENTATION (COOs, affidavits, invoices, packing lists)
  • KNOWLEDGE OF DUTY DRAWBACK, POST-ENTRY CORRECTIONS (PSC), PROTESTS, AND RECONCILIATION PROCESSES
  • FAMILIARITY WITH RESTRICTED PARTY SCREENING AND ESCALATION PROCEDURES
  • STRONG PROBLEM-SOLVING MINDSET WITH FOCUS ON ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
  • ABILITY TO OPERATE EFFECTIVELY IN AN UNSTRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT AND BRING CLARITY AND STANDARDIZATION
  • STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS, WITH THE ABILITY TO TRANSLATE COMPLEX REGULATORY TOPICS TO NON-EXPERTS
  • PROVEN ABILITY TO COLLABORATE CROSS-FUNCTIONALLY AND INFLUENCE STAKEHOLDERS

Additional Details

  • PRIMARILY ON-SITE ROLE WITH SOME FLEXIBILITY
  • OCASIONAL DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MAY BE REQUIRED
  • FAST-PACED ENVIRONMENT REQUIRING STRONG PRIORITIZATION AND ADAPTABILITY

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