POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Customs Compliance Specialist provides strategic guidance to support the day-to-day goals and objectives of SIA’s Customs team. This role ensures compliance with U.S. and international import/export laws and regulations, with a focus on product classifications, FTZ operations, and regulatory filings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, International Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and education
• 8 years of relevant experience, including experience working for an importer (preferably a manufacturing importer) and/or with a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)
• Expert knowledge of relevant import, export, and FTZ regulations, including classification, valuation, country of origin, and bonded transportation and storage.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with SAP, OpenText, Concur, Ariba, and/or JIRA
• Licensed Customs Broker and/or certifications such as CCS, ITCC, CUSECO
• Experience working for an importer (preferably a manufacturing importer) and/or an FTZ strongly preferred.
• Experience with any or all the following: Foreign Trade Zone Operations, ECCN classification, AD/CVD, duty drawback, FTA certification, C-TPAT, ISA..
• Experience with trade automation software such as Integration Point, Amber Road, SAP GTS, Descartes, etc.
• Experience with government inquiries/audits and managing associated risk.
• Experience using advanced Excel functions (e.g., index match, pivot tables, macros, etc.) is strongly preferred.

• Lead Foreign Trade Zone (FTZs) operations, ensuring full regulatory compliance with FTZ requirements by ensuring proper inventory control and reporting in FTZs, including maintaining inventory tracking systems and related filings.
• Support the development, implementation, and administration of the organization’s import and export procedures and processes to ensure compliance with regulations established by origin and destination countries.
• Ensure the accurate preparation and maintenance of import/export documentation (customs declarations, duty payments, certificates of origin, FTZ operational reports) to meet all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and administer classification decisions for various product types to improve efficiency and ensure accuracy. Assess legacy classifications for consistency and accuracy, and support data transfer into ERP systems.
• Conduct internal audits and compliance assessments to identify potential areas of risk and recommend corrective actions to mitigate these risks.
• Assist with responses to government inquiries and requests (e.g. CF-28s and CF-29s) related to export and import entries.
• Identify and document applicable Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements based on product classifications, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies.
• Lead the development and implementation of Customs-related policies and procedures related to product classification and compliance to ensure consistency across the organization.
• Support trade programs and initiatives, such as duty preference programs, derived from a product’s import-export classification, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Deliver clear communications to a variety of audiences. Foster open communication with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with business and technical areas, including supporting the development of the Customs team Associates.
• Mentor a team of Customs Analysts, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure the team’s adherence to compliance standards and continuous professional development.
• All other related duties as assigned.