Customs Specialist II

About the team: The ZF Customs and Trade Compliance team is a critical-thinking and fast-paced group that manages customs compliance processes for our ZF North American facilities. This group focuses on daily trade operations, managing customs compliance solutions, and driving duty optimization initiatives for cost efficiency. This department has the unique position to work with all ZF divisions and departments globally to gain and enhance knowledge in all customs functional areas to be able to work very closely on exciting projects as ZF moves quickly into Next Generation Mobility.  This department is excited and eager as it continues to grow its talented team and digitalized process base to become a benchmark of trade compliance within the automotive industry. Please note that this is a hybrid position that can be based out of either our Northville or Auburn Hills location.

What you can look forward to as a Customs Specialist II

• Provide daily guidance to various business units and U.S. Customs in North America in the conduct of importation, exportation, reconciliation, and drawback activities. Support sourcing/supply chain personnel in the areas of import and export shipping.
• Determine (HTSUS) Harmonize Tariff Schedule classifications for raw materials and finished goods, ensure data is reported accurately and all appropriate duties, and taxes and fees are paid in compliance with trade regulations.
• Research and analyze products for qualification for free trade agreements (e.g. USMCA, US-Chile, US-Korea).
• Collect and issue USMCA Certificates, ensure plant compliance with USMCA regulations, review USMCA Certificates that are issued by ZF Plants and Vendors, and audit USMCA certificates and communicate findings to all parties for compliance requirements. Manage the Customs systems and database; maintain USMCA certificates and affidavits for plants. 
• Maintain and update USMCA and Country of Origin data in Customs systems. Handle all Country of Origin issues; handle USMCA solicitations, qualification and record keeping.
• Provide support to FTZ compliance by coordination with plants in developing, implementing, and maintaining processes, process improvements, procedures, manuals, and systems.  
• Create and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with ZF border brokers and suppliers and respond to requests for information from the Customs Brokers. Manage, direct, and evaluate the performance of customs brokers and other customs-related service providers. 
• Provide support to business units in the areas of Customs Drawback and Reconciliation programs. Provide support to business units with Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and ISA / Trusted Trader programs.

Your Profile as a Customs Specialist II

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• 4 years of experience with customs and/or supply chain-related projects
• Extensive background in tariff classification, as well as country of origin issues
• Knowledge of US Customs regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools – particularly Access and Excel
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with high attention to detail
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret data and supply chain-related processes
• Proven ability to interface with cross-functional teams and all levels of personnel and management

• Annual Incentive Plan
• Paid time off 
• 401k Plan
• Health Care Benefits
• Paid Holidays 
• A supportive collaborative team environment
• A strong diverse culture
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities

ZF does not offer visa sponsorship for this role (e.g., H-1B, TN), and candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship by ZF now or in the future. This role also does not include any immigration-related support, including—but not limited to—being listed on government forms, providing documentation for work authorization, coordinating with universities, or participating in training plans or other procedures related to visa status (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT/CPT, J-1, O-1, L-1, E-3, and any other status requiring employer sponsorship or immigration-related support). IF YOU REQUIRE ANY FORM OF VISA SPONSORSHIP OR ANY IMMIGRATION SUPPORT NOW OR IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY.