What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Trade Compliance Specialist position at Pens.com?
Job Description
Job Title: Senior Trade Compliance Specialist
Report to: Global Logistics Director
Location: Tijuana, MX / San Diego, CA (Hybrid/On-site)
Overview of Role:
The Senior Trade Compliance Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with global trade regulations and supporting daily import/export activities for our operations in Mexico and the United States. This role requires strong expertise in HTS code classification, customs processes, duties, tariffs, and valuation rules, as well as a solid understanding of the current tariff landscape across North America.
The successful candidate must have a hands-on approach to daily compliance processes and the ability to partner closely with internal and external stakeholders, including brokers and customs authorities. This position is key to supporting business continuity, mitigating risk, and ensuring efficiency in cross-border operations.
What you will do:
Pens.com's personalized promotional products are created for and inspired by small businesses. With 56 years of experience and serving 22 countries worldwide, Pens.com offers MORE value, savings and time to customers through expert guidance on a broad range of personalized promotional products, including writing instruments, stationery, drinkware, bags, gifts, and trade show accessories. Pens.com operates via a network of more than 10 facilities across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
To learn more, visit: www.PENS.com
Pens.com is a National Pen and Cimpress brand (Nasdaq: CMPR).
Job Title: Senior Trade Compliance Specialist
Report to: Global Logistics Director
Location: Tijuana, MX / San Diego, CA (Hybrid/On-site)
Overview of Role:
The Senior Trade Compliance Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with global trade regulations and supporting daily import/export activities for our operations in Mexico and the United States. This role requires strong expertise in HTS code classification, customs processes, duties, tariffs, and valuation rules, as well as a solid understanding of the current tariff landscape across North America.
The successful candidate must have a hands-on approach to daily compliance processes and the ability to partner closely with internal and external stakeholders, including brokers and customs authorities. This position is key to supporting business continuity, mitigating risk, and ensuring efficiency in cross-border operations.
What you will do:
- Perform accurate HTS code classification for a wide range of products, ensuring correct tariff application and duty impact assessment.
- Manage and review customs documentation for imports and exports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with U.S. and Mexican requirements.
- Monitor, interpret, and apply changes to global tariff and trade regulations, including customs valuation rules, origin requirements, and duty reduction programs.
- Ensure compliance with Mexican IMMEX program requirements and U.S. import/export regulations.
- Partner with customs brokers and freight forwarders to troubleshoot clearance issues and minimize delays.
- Conduct internal audits and reviews of trade compliance processes to identify risks, including classification errors, undervaluation, or incorrect duty payments, and recommend corrective actions.
- Collaborate with Logistics, Supply Chain, Procurement, Legal, and Finance to align trade compliance with operational needs.
- Support investigations, disclosures, and responses to customs/government inquiries as required.
- Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on classification, customs documentation, duties, and compliance best practices.
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and audit-ready documentation to support compliance activities.
- Bachelor’s degree in international business, Logistics, Supply Chain, Law, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in trade compliance, customs, import/export operations, or related regulatory roles.
- Strong expertise in HTS code classification, duty/tariff application, customs valuation, and origin rules.
- Solid understanding of trade agreements and tariff regulations impacting North America (USMCA, etc.).
- Proven experience with Mexico Maquiladora operations and IMMEX program compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume logistics environment with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
- Strong collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with local and international teams.
- Certification in U.S. Customs Brokerage, CUSECO, or equivalent.
- Experience with compliance automation tools and systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, OCR, or similar platforms).
- Prior experience in a manufacturing or maquiladora environment, with direct exposure to high-volume import/export operations.
Pens.com's personalized promotional products are created for and inspired by small businesses. With 56 years of experience and serving 22 countries worldwide, Pens.com offers MORE value, savings and time to customers through expert guidance on a broad range of personalized promotional products, including writing instruments, stationery, drinkware, bags, gifts, and trade show accessories. Pens.com operates via a network of more than 10 facilities across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
To learn more, visit: www.PENS.com
Pens.com is a National Pen and Cimpress brand (Nasdaq: CMPR).