Import Manager

Job Summary

The Import Manager is responsible for those sites and holds policy authority for regulatory compliance at those sites. Responsibilities include overseeing overall import compliance activities as required by the Customs Regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives Regulations, as well as managing trade compliance activities for existing cross border IMMEX/Maquiladora operations supporting possible business development opportunities outside the United States. This position requires strong general customs compliance experience in an active and fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position is an onsite role located in Gardena CA.

Primary Responsibilities

• Implement and manage an effective import compliance program, including all risk areas: valuation, classification, country of origin, documentation, and record keeping.
• Manage comprehensive import reconciliations, ensuring alignment of customs entries, duty payments, and supporting documentation to maintain full compliance and data accuracy
• Identify and draft cradle to grave procedures for all desk-level activities involved in the movement of goods across borders (import).
• Provide quarterly updates of duties paid by country
• Review customer invoices for raw material designations, raw material certificates and CBP Form 7501s
• Work with finance and purchasing to ensure imported goods are appropriately valued.
• Classify products for import to/from the U.S. under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Schedule B.
• Perform evaluation and analysis of eligibility for preferential treatment under Free Trade Agreements (e.g. USMCA); manage requests to suppliers for supporting documentation and information.
• Analyze and interpret import regulations and maintain current knowledge of changes.
• Identify and implement procedures to minimize import duties as allowed under law.
• Advise site general managers and senior staff, including division finance personnel, about trade compliance aspects and risks of proposed business decisions; collaborate effectively with peers at related company sites.
• Work pro-actively with departments to prevent trade disruptions.
• Monitor compliance activities and the effectiveness of internal controls; Review with site department managers their trade compliance internal controls (procedures, work instructions, forms, checklists, and tools) to ensure they are current and compliant.
• Produce and analyze reports from Customs’ ACE portal, internal ERP/MRP, and other information systems.
• Oversee relationships with freight forwarders and customs brokers; audit for effectiveness.
• Work with site level leadership and Division Senior Import Compliance Manager to maintain an effective import compliance program.
• Maintain the highest ethical standards, even when challenged from above.
• Understand and live by company’s ethics and business conduct policies.
• Conduct trainings on import compliance topics
  
  

Qualifications

• Demonstrated history of competency implementing or working in an efficient and effective customs compliance program (including product classification and related party valuation experience).
• Demonstrated history of competency with the U.S. Customs Regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives Regulations.
• Demonstrated history of managing broker, forwarder, and carrier relationships.
• Strong computer skills including ability to research transactions and prepare reports in Customs’ Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) information systems, perform spreadsheet calculations, and quickly learn new software tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong program management experience and excellent project leadership skills.
• Ability to work at both detail and strategic levels; work calmly under pressure and with frequent interruptions, and display sound judgment.
• Ability to prepare or revise procedures, work instructions, forms, and business flowcharts.
• Ability to prepare and review complex business documents.
  
  

Competencies

• Supervisor/manager Company’s competencies: detail oriented, strong problem-solving skills, ethics and values, integrity and trust, functional/technical skills, listening, action-oriented, composure, approachability, directing others, motivating others, organizing, planning, priority setting, building effective teams, managerial courage, and drive for results.
  
  

Required

Education/Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, law, engineering or a related subject.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience with import regulatory compliance.
• Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) information systems.
• Experience with international business transactions and shipping documents.
  
  

Preferred

• Bilingual or multilingual, including English/Spanish languages
• Customs brokerage license
  
  

For informational purposes only the range of pay for this role is $125,100 to $150,000US Dollar (USD)Salaried based on a variety of factors. For informational purposes only this role is eligible to participate in the Companys Quarterly Cash Bonus Plan paid out at the quarterly bonus factor of 3X the Companys bonus multiple based on the Companys performance in the applicable quarter. Employees will receive 120 hours paid time off every year. Employees will also receive 10 paid holidays. Employees and their families are eligible to participate in the company\'s medical dental vision and basic life insurance. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Companys 401k plan.120