Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director, Customs Compliance & Import/Export Operations, the Manager, Import Trade Compliance leads all U.S. import compliance activities, with a strong emphasis on duty drawback, tariff mitigation, customs governance, and adherence to U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) regulations. This role requires extensive hands-on experience managing import processes, drawback programs, and compliance controls across the supply chain. The ideal candidate excels in classification, documentation accuracy, and optimization of import operations. This is a people leadership role.
Responsibilities and Tasks:
Oversee all import-related compliance activities to ensure adherence to CBP regulations.
Lead and manage the import compliance team, primarily responsible for all aspects of clearing entries into the United States as a self-filer.
Lead duty and tariff mitigation programs, including duty drawback, Free Trade Agreements, and use of the duty-free entry clause found in U.S. government contracts.
Manage HTS classification, country of origin determinations, valuation, assistance, and admissibility reviews.
Implement and maintain internal controls to ensure compliant and efficient import transactions.
Review and approve import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and entry summaries.
Address customs inquiries, CF28/29 responses, and support post-entry adjustments or protests.
Oversight and implementation of the ATF Compliance program and development of procedures.
Duty Drawback Program Management
Lead the company’s duty drawback program, including eligibility assessment, claim preparation, recordkeeping, and submission to CBP.
Identify opportunities to maximize duty recovery and streamline drawback processes.
Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and maintain complete audit-ready documentation.
Manage accelerated payment, unused merchandise, and manufacturing drawback claims.
Monitor regulatory changes affecting drawback programs and implement necessary internal updates
Customs Governance & Risk Control
Develop and maintain import compliance policies, SOPs, and audit frameworks.
Conduct audits of import transactions to identify gaps and implement corrective actions.
Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other trade partners to ensure accurate and timely filings.
Support internal investigations related to import discrepancies, misclassification, valuation errors, or duty overpayments.
Cross-Functional Support & Training
Provide expert guidance to procurement, logistics, supply chain, and finance teams on import requirements and cost-impacting decisions.
Deliver training on classification, documentation standards, and duty drawback processes.
Support operational teams in resolving import holds, PGA issues, and clearance delays.
Education, Experience/Knowledge & License/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, international business, or related field
Active U.S. Customs Broker License (required)
5+ years of U.S. import compliance experience, including significant duty drawback responsibility
Experience managing customs brokers and import service providers
Deep knowledge of CBP regulations, ACE processes, PGA requirements, valuation methods, and HTS classification
Strong understanding of drawback claims types and audit requirements
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