Customs and Foreign Trade Manager

Now hiring! Customs & Froreign Trade Manager

Hybrid Work! On-site 3-days/week

BASF’s Coatings LLC is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates for a wide range of industries.

Located at our Southfield, Michigan corporate office, you’ll be responsible for all customs and foreign trade topics for our coatings business, interacting with CBP officials, legal counsel, and federal agencies. The position will manage the product classifications and audit BASF import activity.

As a key leader for the EC business in the region, you directly support all US sites and customer locations to ensure ongoing operations and compliance with all customs and legal requirements.

What you'll do:

• Represent BASF in all customs-related matters before CBP.
• Accept personal liability for the accuracy of specific Customs documents and other trade related information
• Serve as BASF’s primary interface with CBP officials alongside BASF Legal representatives.
• Ensure accurate classification of all imported products under the HTSUS.
• Assign correct values to imported products for submission to CBP.
• Respond promptly and effectively to all CBP inquiries, both verbal and written.
• Collaborate with internal and external legal counsel on customs issues.
• Interpret and implement both existing and new regulatory requirements from CBP and other federal agencies impacting U.S. imports.
• Advise BASF business units on import planning and regulatory compliance matters.
• Provide guidance to other BASF functional areas (e.g., Tax, Legal) regarding import planning and regulatory concerns.
• Compile and distribute import and export statistics related to BASF activities.
• Oversee CBP programs including duty drawback, Free Trade Agreements, Foreign Trade Zones, and related initiatives.
• Develop and update internal written policies and procedures (such as Desk Manuals) concerning CBP and other regulatory agency requirements affecting import and export activities.
• Conduct regular audits of BASF import operations.
• Advise and assist other BASF global entities on U.S. Customs matters.
• Maintain comprehensive recordkeeping for all BASF import and export transactions.

If you...

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• 5 years’ experience in customs or foreign trade (preferably in automotive or chemical industries).
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, import classification (HTSUS), and compliance.
• Proven experience managing CBP programs (duty drawback, Free Trade Agreements, Foreign Trade Zones).
• Strong recordkeeping, audit, and regulatory reporting skills for import/export transactions.
• Ability to advise on import planning, regulatory changes, and compliance for U.S. and global operations.
• Proven skill in developing and updating internal policies and procedures in line with regulatory agency requirements
• Demonstrated project coordination and time management, multi-tasking, and delivering on commitments. Must be comfortable in a dynamic setting with diverse personalities.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact myhr@basf.com to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.