Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist

Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist

Sparta, TN | On-Site | $80,000–$105,000 | Full-Time

Build the trade compliance function. Own the strategy. Make an immediate financial impact.

We’re hiring a Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist for a newly created, high-visibility role with an innovative automotive lighting manufacturer in Sparta, Tennessee.

With tariffs and international trade requirements changing rapidly, this position has become a major business priority. We’re looking for someone who already knows customs and trade compliance and is ready to take ownership from day one.

You’ll be the go-to expert for HTS classification, tariffs, duty drawback, customs compliance, country of origin, USMCA, and import/export requirements, while identifying opportunities to reduce duty exposure and recover costs.

This is not a role where you’ll simply maintain someone else’s process. You’ll have the opportunity to build and improve the company’s trade compliance program, establish best practices, and directly influence how the organization manages millions of dollars in international goods and tariff exposure.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Brand-new position with significant ownership and visibility
• Direct impact on tariff costs, duty recovery, and landed cost
• Opportunity to build processes rather than inherit a rigid system
• Work directly with the Director of Logistics and cross-functional leadership
• Join an established manufacturer developing lighting technology for the evolving automotive and EV markets
• Urgent hire with a streamlined interview process

What You’ll Own

Customs, Imports & HTS Classification

You’ll serve as the internal subject matter expert for U.S. customs compliance, including:

• Classifying products, components, and raw materials under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
• Researching and documenting HTS classifications
• Managing country-of-origin, customs valuation, and import documentation
• Reviewing customs entries and identifying discrepancies
• Partnering with customs brokers and freight forwarders
• Resolving classification questions, entry issues, and CBP inquiries
• Monitoring tariffs, trade remedies, and regulatory changes

Duty Drawback & Tariff Strategy

This is a particularly important part of the role.

You’ll help identify opportunities to recover duties, reduce tariff exposure, and improve landed cost, including:

• Evaluating and supporting duty drawback opportunities
• Identifying tariff mitigation and duty-reduction strategies
• Supporting USMCA and other preferential trade programs
• Monitoring duty exposure and communicating financial impact
• Partnering with Finance and Logistics on tariff-related costs and opportunities

Export & Trade Compliance

You’ll also support international shipments by:

• Reviewing export documentation and requirements
• Helping determine when export licenses or additional controls may apply
• Partnering with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, and customers to resolve trade compliance questions

Build the Compliance Program

You won’t just execute the process. You’ll help shape it.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Establish written trade compliance procedures and work instructions
• Maintain classification and country-of-origin master data
• Develop internal controls and compliance reviews
• Train teams involved in purchasing, logistics, sales, and international transactions
• Identify compliance risks and recommend practical solutions
• Keep leadership informed of regulatory changes that could impact the business

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and confidently operate with a high level of independence.

You should have:

• 3 years of hands-on experience in customs, import/export, or international trade compliance
• Strong practical experience with HTS classification
• Knowledge of U.S. Customs requirements, including country of origin, valuation, and entry documentation
• Working knowledge of U.S. export requirement