Analyst, Customs

PURPOSE

The Customs Analyst role will support NAM import, FTZ and/or export operations and compliance related activities. This position will work cross-functionally with the supply chain teams, as well as outside counsel, suppliers, software providers, logistics providers, and customs brokers to ensure compliance with all Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government laws and regulations. This role drives data‑based decision making by applying strong analytical skills, developing reporting tools, and supporting process improvement and project execution to enhance operational efficiency and reduce compliance risk.

Key Responsibilities

OPERATIONAL & COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES

• Executes daily import/export compliance and clearance tasks with CBP, Census, customs brokers, software providers, the FTZ Board, and 3PLs.
• Prepares and submits required weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual declarations to CBP.
• Implement compliance controls to minimize broker or FTZ entry errors.
• Use the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal to manage and monitor import/export activity.
• Verifies and maintains recordkeeping procedures in accordance with CBP and company policies.
• Supports company participation in government programs such as CTPAT.
• Participates in global and regional Customs initiatives and projects.
• Attend relevant training seminars and compliance meetings as required.
  
  

ANALYTICS, REPORTING & DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING

• Collects, analyzes, and interprets large data sets for daily, monthly, and quarterly reporting and KPI tracking.
• Investigates variances, identifies root causes, and recommends corrective action plans.
• Builds, maintains, and enhances import, FTZ, and export compliance dashboards (e.g., duty spend, entries, exceptions, KPIs).
• Conducts customs duty spend analysis and identifies cost‑reduction opportunities (e.g., drawback, tariff engineering, trade programs).
• Performs trend analyses to proactively identify compliance gaps and process risks.
• Utilizes analytical tools (Excel, Access, Tableau/Power BI if applicable) to support decision‑making.
  
  

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Performs project‑related tasks to support team assignments, strategic initiatives, and system enhancements.
• Assist with small to medium cross‑functional projects including scoping, planning, workflow mapping, tracking milestones, and communicating status updates.
• Partners with IS/IT and other business groups to support technology solutions for Customs compliance and automation.
• Identifies and drives automation opportunities to reduce manual tasks and improve accuracy.
• Creates, updates, and maintains SOPs and process documentation for import, FTZ, and export activities.
• Facilitates free trade program activities to reduce duty impact (e.g., Free Trade Agreements).
  
  

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

• Works with DC operations to identify, reconcile, and resolve inventory discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Interfaces with internal and external partners including government agencies when needed.
• Serves as a resource to internal teams on regulatory requirements and process impacts.
  
  

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Internally: Custom Compliance, Export, FTZ, Transportation, Finance, Legal, Tax, DC Ops
• Externally: CBP and Other Government Agencies, Custom brokers, factories, 3rd party logistics providers
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of import/export operations, CBP regulations, and FTZ processes.
• Highly detail‑oriented, analytical, and capable of interpreting complex data.
• Strong project management, prioritization, and multi‑tasking skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and meet daily deadlines.
• Strong quantitative and problem‑solving abilities, including root‑cause analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel; strong Access or other database/reporting tools a plus.
• Strong presentation skills; ability to distill complex topics for varied audiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong internal/external customer service orientation.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision or collaboratively in a team.
  
  

Requisite Education And Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university or demonstrated relevant experience.
• Minimum of 3 years work experience in Customs Compliance and/or Finance or Auditing
• Licensed Customs Broker or Certified Customs Specialist is a plus.
• Must pass CBP background check.
• adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas’ 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
• At adidas we offer a Hybrid work policy which requires attendance in the office Monday through Thursday, with the flexibility to work remotely on Friday each week. For work requiring a high degree of collaboration or an in-person presentation, in-office attendance is required even on Friday.  The working location of this position is Spartanburg, SC.
• Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.
• adidas provides reasonable accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment and interview process. If you need assistance, please let us know.
  
  

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.