Strategic Purchasing Specialist

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Specialist – Logistics, Customs & Tariffs to support global sourcing, international logistics, customs compliance, and tariff management within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for coordinating the movement of purchased materials from domestic and international suppliers, ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs regulations, optimizing transportation costs, and minimizing tariff exposure. The ideal candidate will have experience in purchasing, supply chain management, or international trade, with a strong understanding of customs regulations, tariff classifications, and global logistics operations.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Global Sourcing

• Support global sourcing initiatives by evaluating total landed costs, including material pricing, freight, duties, tariffs, customs fees, and inventory expenses.
• Partner with Purchasing to identify cost-effective sourcing strategies and support supplier selection based on total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Assist with supplier onboarding, qualification, and documentation requirements.
• Evaluate alternative sourcing opportunities to reduce costs and mitigate supply chain risks.

Logistics & Transportation Management

• Coordinate domestic and international shipments via ocean, air, truck, rail, and courier services.
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers.
• Monitor inbound shipments, resolve transportation delays, and ensure timely material deliveries.
• Identify opportunities to optimize freight costs, improve shipment visibility, and enhance delivery performance.
• Maintain accurate shipment tracking, reporting, and logistics documentation.

Customs & Trade Compliance

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and international trade requirements.
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, shipping documents, and customs declarations for accuracy.
• Coordinate customs clearance activities and maintain import records for regulatory audits.
• Classify imported products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
• Determine Country of Origin and evaluate eligibility under USMCA and other Free Trade Agreements.
• Monitor tariff changes, including Section 301, Section 232, and other applicable trade measures.
• Research customs rulings, regulatory updates, and binding ruling requirements.
• Identify, document, file, and reconcile eligible IEEPA tariff refund claims in accordance with applicable CBP requirements.

Tariff & Cost Management

• Analyze total landed costs by supplier, product, and country of origin.
• Identify opportunities to reduce freight expenses, customs duties, and tariff exposure.
• Support tariff mitigation strategies, Duty Drawback opportunities, and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) initiatives.
• Maintain tariff classification records and support ongoing trade compliance reporting.
• Recommend cost-saving initiatives to Purchasing and Supply Chain leadership.

Supplier & Production Support

• Obtain and maintain supplier documentation, including Country of Origin Certificates, USMCA Certifications, supplier declarations, product composition details, and commercial invoices.
• Resolve customs documentation discrepancies and communicate compliance requirements to suppliers.
• Monitor material availability to support Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing operations.
• Coordinate expedited shipments and collaborate with Production Planning to prevent material shortages.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and supplier transitions through effective logistics planning.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve logistics efficiency, customs clearance processes, and shipment visibility.
• Standardize import documentation and enhance supply chain reporting.
• Develop and monitor logistics, purchasing, and trade compliance KPIs.
• Support cross-functional cost reduction and process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• 1–3 years of experience in Purchasing, Logistics, Customs Compliance, International Trade, or Supply Chain Management.
• Experience supporting global sourcing and international logistics operations.
• Familiarity with U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classifications, and USMCA compliance.
• Experience coordinating with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international suppliers.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across Purchasing, Finance, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive manufacturing or a Tier 1 supplier environment.
• Experience supporting major automotive OEMs.
• Knowledge of tariff mitigation strategies, Duty Drawback, and Foreign Trade Zones.
• Familiarity with Just-in-Time manufacturing and global supply chain operations.
• Experience supporting supplier qualification, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Certifications:

• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB)
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)
• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $60,000 – $70,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Tuition reimbursement and additional employee benefits.