Customs Manager

Customs Manager/Director

Company Overview

Howard Industries, Inc. is the nation’s leading manufacturer of distribution transformers, with over 10 million overhead, single-phase and three-phase pad mounted, and network transformers in service throughout the United States and abroad. As Mississippi's largest privately held employer headquartered within the state, the company employs over 5,000 team members, generates over $1 billion in revenue, and consists of three main corporate divisions: Howard Power Solutions, Howard Transportation, and Howard Technology Solutions

About the Role

In this this role, you will act as subject matter expert for U.S. trade compliance (Customs, Import/Export, Export Controls), partnering and advising across Legal, Finance, Operations, and Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Oversight: Advise internal stakeholders on U.S. customs regulations, trade programs, and compliance risks while evaluating the business impact of regulatory changes.
• Policy & Program Management: Partner with internal and trade compliance counsel to continuously improve and manage compliance policies, procedures, and controls.
• Audit Ownership: Serve as the central point of contact and accountability for internal/external audits, assessments, and regulatory inquiries, driving complete, precise, and strategic responses.
• Trade Operations & Validation: Validate HTS classification, country of origin, AD/CVD, valuation, USMCA, and other FTA determinations to ensure compliant import/export transactions; ensure compliance with applicable trade-related U.S. regulations on CBP entry procedures, Reconciliation processes, and Post Summary Corrections (PSC).
• Vendor & Regulatory Relations: Manage, oversee, and evaluate customs brokers and service providers, including management of related SOPs and POAs; act as the primary corporate contact for CBP; maintain audit-ready records and lead and manage post-entry reviews, corrections, and reconciliations, as needed.
• Strategic Compliance: Assess and implement duty-saving opportunities (e.g., FTZ, bonded warehousing, temporary imports) and support Export Control and Dual-Use compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, International Trade, Logistics, Law, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge in U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification and origin rules, Import/export documentation, broker management, Export Control/Dual-Use regulations, and cross-border/Maquiladora operations.
• Proven track record of developing and managing compliance frameworks, designing controls, and owning audit/enforcement interactions end-to-end under scrutiny.
• Experience working with ERP systems and customs/compliance tools.
• Fluent in English; additional languages (Spanish) are an asset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current US Customs Broker License (CES or CCS are a plus)
• 5 years of experience in U.S. trade compliance, customs, and/or international logistics.