General Motors

Associate Director, US Customs

General Motors • $125K — $150K *
Detroit, MI 48228Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of customs and trade experience
  • Strong ethical judgment and compliance mindset
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field
  • Proven leadership and people development skills
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management abilities
  • Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities
  • Deep knowledge of tariffs, trade agreements, and their impact on automotive or manufacturing operations

Responsibilities

  • Lead US cross-border customs strategy and governance for efficient and compliant processes
  • Manage tariff implementation and conduct impact analysis
  • Oversee US border disruption management and contingency planning
  • Ensure compliance with corporate requirements and CBP obligations
  • Manage post-entry activities, including audits and reconciliations
  • Own US customs duty financials and provide strategic oversight
  • Drive process optimization and automation using AI and analytics

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with flexibility
  • Opportunity to lead a critical compliance function
  • Access to develop strategic partnerships across departments
  • Involvement in cutting-edge automation and analytics initiatives
  • Management of significant customs responsibility with a direct impact on the business
Full Job Description

Job Description

Overview of Your Role:

The Associate Director, US Customs, is responsible for GM’s compliance with US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) regulations and oversees US trade flows, duty payments, and duty mitigation programs. This role serves as GM’s primary interface with CBP and key internal stakeholders, including Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, and R&D. The position leads GM managers and senior analysts responsible for US Customs operations and post-entry activities, manages an extensive third-party Customs Broker network, and, in partnership with the North American Regional Director, has ownership and authority of customs operating model and risk posture over GM’s US trade flows.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership for US cross-border customs strategy and governance, ensuring efficient, resilient, and compliant processes that enable all US plant operations.
  • Lead tariff implementation, impact analysis, and timely business communications.
  • Oversee US border disruption management and contingency planning.
  • Ensure compliance with corporate requirements and CBP obligations.
  • Manage post-entry activities, including PSCs, reconciliations, prior disclosures, CBP audits, CTPAT, drawbacks, and liquidated damages.
  • Own the US customs duty financials, setting strategy and providing oversight for payments, accounting, monthly forecasting, multi-year outlooks, and duty budgeting across all US trade flows.
  • Drive process optimization and automation using AI, analytics, and data-driven tools.
  • Set the strategic direction for US customs compliance and, in partnership with the Controls & Compliance COE, design and govern the standards and controls framework for GM Customs.
  • Lead GM employees and Customs Brokers in day-to-day US import operations.
  • Oversee broker compliance with GM Customs policies and KPIs.
  • Lead and set the tone to resolve complex import issues to support timely, cost-effective clearance.
  • Advise business partners on CBP regulations and US import requirements.
  • Partner cross-functionally to reduce GM’s US duty exposure.
  • Onboard new business units and joint ventures.
  • Develop talent, build critical capabilities, and establish succession plans for key US Customs roles.

Required

  • 10+ years of customs and trade related experience
  • Strong ethical judgment and compliance mindset
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field
  • Proven leadership and people development capabilities
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills
  • Deep knowledge of tariffs, trade remedies, trade agreements, and their impact on automotive or manufacturing operations
  • Ability to present complex issues and recommendations to senior leadership

Preferred

  • Licensed Customs Broker
  • MBA, master's degree, or other advanced degree

Location: Hybrid. This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the - Global HQ Detroit MI three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business]

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

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General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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