Sr Customs Compliance Specialist

Lead and execute U.S. Customs and trade compliance activities for import operations, with primary responsibility for tariff classification, country of origin determinations, antidumping and countervailing duty case administration, and Lacey Act compliance. Serve as a subject matter expert on customs regulations and provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams on trade compliance matters.

PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead HTS tariff classification activities, including classification research, binding ruling analysis, and maintenance of the company's classification database
• Conduct country of origin determinations applying substantial transformation analysis and applicable rules of origin under free trade agreements
• Administer antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) compliance programs, shipment tracking, case documentation, and regulatory reporting
• Manage Lacey Act compliance activities, including harvest affidavit verification, species identification, and supply chain due diligence documentation
• Oversee customs broker relationships, including performance monitoring, billing reconciliation, and issue resolution with third-party brokers
• Conduct in-depth monthly entry audits and lead post-entry reviews to ensure import compliance; prepare and file Prior Disclosures and Protests as needed
• Manage ACE Trade Accounts, including running reports and maintaining internal tracking logs for liquidation, refunds, and CBP requests (CF-28s, CF-29s)
• Administer customs bond programs and coordinate Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) processing with Accounting/Finance
• Monitor regulatory changes across tariff programs (Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA, AD/CVD) and assess operational and financial impact to the business
• Manage Free Trade Agreement (FTA) certificate solicitation and verification programs; conduct certificate of origin audits
• Provide technical guidance to Purchasing, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams on duty rates, landed cost calculations, and compliance requirements
• Support supplier compliance audit programs, including Supplier Business Practices (SBP) audits and supply chain mapping initiatives
• Develop and maintain compliance procedures, training materials, and internal control documentation

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation required; Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
• 5 years of hands-on experience in customs compliance, trade compliance, or customs brokerage for an importer or licensed customs broker
• Demonstrated expertise in HTS tariff classification, including application of the General Rules of Interpretation and use of binding rulings
• Strong working knowledge of country-of-origin (COO) rules, substantial transformation analysis, and free trade agreement (FTA) qualification
• Experience administering antidumping and countervailing duty cases, including familiarity with scope rulings, certifications, and EAPA investigations
• Knowledge of Lacey Act requirements, including plant product declarations and supply chain due diligence
• Proficiency with ACE and customs broker portal systems
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, pivot tables, and VLOOKUP functions
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive partnerships and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Active Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) in good standing
• Experience in the lumber, wood products, furniture, or cabinet manufacturing industry
• Experience with forced labor compliance programs, including UFLPA and supply chain risk assessment
• Experience participating in audits, Focused Assessments, or C-TPAT certification
• Experience conducting international supplier audits for trade compliance purposes
• Additional certifications such as Master Customs Specialist (MCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES) or Master Export Specialist (MES)
• Familiarity with Southeast Asian supply chains (Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia)
• Familiarity with APAC and EU supply chains