Customs & Trade Compliance Manager

Job Description

About SEKO

SEKO started out in business in 1976, operating out of a single Chicago office. Since then, we have built a solid reputation throughout the world as an innovative and flexible provider of first-class logistics services. We provide complete Supply Chain Solutions, specializing in transportation, logistics, forwarding and warehousing. We also lead the industry with innovative and customizable IT solutions, which provide a seamless flow of information and give our growing customer base true supply chain visibility. With over 120 offices in 40 countries worldwide, our unique shareholder management model enables you to benefit from Global implementation experience and expertise across all industry sectors, coupled with vital in-country knowledge and service at the local level.

Key Accountabilities Include

• Responsible for driving Customs & Trade Compliance and to collaborate directly with SEKO as an international trade regulations and customs compliance expert with expertise spanning U.S. Customs Regulations (CBP), Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and other associated Participating Government Agencies (PGA).
• Monitor regulatory changes and provide guidance and training to SEKO stations and/or clients on how to interpret and apply to business applications and policies, including collaboration and update of internal policies and procedures.
• Ensure 100% adherence to laws, regulations, and corporate policy, including the identification of gaps in current policies, processes and procedures, training, and revision of SEKO Customs and Export controls documentation.
• Conduct monitoring and compliance risk audits to identify deficiencies against transactions and processes, draft finding reports, collaborate with SEKO stations to remedy and implement compliance improvements, and maintain detailed and organized records of all audits.
• Partner compliance risks with the Director Customs Brokerage as the corporate license holder and the Chief Compliance Officer to develop and implement preventative and compliance improvements and internal controls.
• Responsible for analysis, drafting and filing petitions for mitigation, payments, and disposition of Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures issued to SEKO and our clients. Interact regularly with Customs and government personnel.
• Process CBP payments for additional bills, voluntary disclosures, post summary corrections, and the like.
• Manage Power of Attorney review, approval, and recordkeeping, including but not limited to approval and maintenance of employees conducting Customs business.
• Review and renewal of SEKO corporate bonds.
• Serves as the ACE Portal Owner for SEKO Worldwide LLC and SEKO Customs Brokerage.
• CargoWise (Red Global/CW1) compliance oversight, and to leverage CargoWise expertise to serve as an escalation for brokers, entry writers, and export operators to trouble shoot issues.
• Work cross-functional with SEKO IT to support SEKO International Operating System to support any new regulatory changes or improvements to policy as is needed.
• Collaborate with Compliance team and other functions to manage supply chain security programs (i.e. CTPAT) ensuring SEKO’s adherence to requirements.
• Ability to carry out tasks individually as well as in a team environment providing support to other team members, as necessary.
• Participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace. Comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures. Co-operate with management in its fulfilment of its legislative obligations.
• Other duties as assigned by management.
  
  

Requirements

• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and various PC based Software.
• Knowledge of air, surface, and ocean transport logistics processes.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including proven abilities to listen, comprehend, effectively communicate clearly and concisely to obtain positive results.
• Knowledge in any/all the following areas: USMCA, classification, value, marking, customs-exports-ITAR audits, compliance & opportunity reviews, first sale, disclosures, binding-rulings etc.
• Client service orientation, initiative, responsiveness,
• Team oriented and comfortable in either a leadership or team leader role
• CargoWise (WiseTech) Software applications.
• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Write routine reports and correspondence
• Communicate effectively to customers on the telephone
• Apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
  
  

Minimum

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• 7-10 years previous US Customs Brokerage Experience or Compliance experience in International Trade, Import Operations Customs Brokerage and US Customs Laws; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• US import and/or export experience required.
  
  

Preferred

• 7-10 years related experience in import-export operations and/or import-export customs compliance preferred.
  
  

Specialist Certifications

• U.S. Customs Brokerage License required.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that base salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (Producer roles only).

Compensation

The base salary compensation range being offer for this role is $95,500 - $136,400 USD per year. This role is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus.

SEKO Logistics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Benefits Designed With You In Mind

At SEKO Logistics, we are committed to supporting your well-being, professional growth, and financial stability (eligibility requirements apply). Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Commuter Account (IL only), Flexible Spendings Account, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Accident, Group Accident, Critical Illness and hospital indemnity program, Life Insurance, AD&D, Wellbeing Program and Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
• Leave Benefits: Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state/local paid leave where required), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave)
• Retirement Benefits: Contributory Savings Plan (401k).
  
  

SEKO Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.