Transportation and Trade Compliance Specialist

POSITION: Transportation and Trade Compliance Specialist

LOCATION: Jupiter, FL/Stuart FL.  

Job Summary:

The Transportation and Trade Compliance Specialist is responsible for overseeing and continuously improving domestic and international logistics operations, with a strong focus on U.S. Customs compliance, tariff classification, and duty management. This role serves as the subject matter expert for import/export documentation, HTS classification, and implementation of the company’s duty drawback program. The Senior Specialist works independently and cross-functionally with internal teams, customs brokers, and freight forwarders to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and fully compliant movement of materials across global supply chains.

Essential duties & responsibilities

The essential functions of the job include the following:

• Lead preparation and maintenance of import/export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, AES filings, and export licenses.
• Ensure accurate HTS classification of turbine parts, assemblies, and tooling in compliance with U.S. Customs, EAR, and ITAR regulations.
• Administer and continuously improve the company’s duty drawback program, including claim identification, filing, and audit documentation to maximize recovery of eligible duties.
• Support establishment, monitoring, and closure of Temporary Import Bonds (TIBs) and maintain complete, auditable records.
• Serve as primary liaison with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies to resolve clearance issues and maintain compliance.
• Stay current with trade regulations and provide internal training or process guidance to ensure consistent compliance across departments.
• Coordinate and monitor transportation activities across multiple modes (LTL, FTL, air, ocean, and expedited).
• Use the Transportation Management System (TMS) for routing, carrier selection, and performance tracking.
• Provide guidance to logistics coordinators on documentation accuracy, routing optimization, and carrier performance.
• Troubleshoot customs or transit delays and coordinate corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain shipment, freight cost, and KPI dashboards to support operational reviews and cost control.
• Maintain effective relationships with freight carriers, freight forwarders, and 3PL partners.
• Support freight rate analysis, preferred carrier programs, and contract renewals in partnership with Procurement.
• Provide data-driven insights for supplier scorecards and carrier performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with Finance on freight accruals, spend analysis, and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Partner closely with warehouse, production, purchasing, and customer service teams to ensure on-time, compliant delivery.
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders and customers regarding shipment status, risks, and issue resolution.
• Identify, document, and implement process improvements related to trade compliance, duty recovery, and logistics efficiency.
• Provide functional input to SAP and TMS enhancements supporting transportation and customs processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5 years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics, and customs compliance within manufacturing, aerospace, or energy sectors.
• Deep understanding of HTS classification, U.S. Customs procedures, duty drawback programs, and TIB management.
• Proven ability to analyze and optimize freight operations for cost and performance.
• Experience working with TMS platforms (Kuebix preferred) and ERP systems (SAP a plus).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with a focus on compliance accuracy.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and training skills.
• Ability to operate with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Physical Requirements

• Climbing -- ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms.
• Balancing -- maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.
• Stooping/Crouching -- bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Kneeling -- bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Reaching -- extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing -- particularly for sustained periods of time
• Walking -- moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Pushing & Pulling
• Lifting up to 20 lbs -- raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.
• Grasping -- applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Repetitive motion -- substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.
• The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
• The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.
• The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
• The worker is frequently in close quarters, crawl spaces, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia.
• The worker is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.
• Requires significant travel (air & ground) with short notice.
• Being able to wear required PPEs for specific tasks performed, such as respirators, Tyvek suit, gloves, face shield, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled