Overview

The Customs Trade Compliance and Operations Manager is the subject matter expert responsible for overseeing all customs operations and compliance governance across all Panasonic business divisions. This role manages import and export compliance for resident and non-resident importer programs with United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The role ensures compliance with trusted trade and regulatory programs, including Trusted Trader Programs (such as Customs Self Assessment and Partners in Protection), G7 reporting, and Partner Government Agency requirements. The manager oversees all non-resident importer accounts for shipments into the United States, monitors regulatory changes, and recommends and implements process updates to maintain full compliance.

This position works closely with internal teams to ensure accurate and timely completion of all customs documentation, selects and manages customs brokers, consultants, and service providers, and liaises with suppliers, legal counsel, and customs authorities as required.

This is a full-time position.

This position is hybrid. Any office-based work will be performed from our Mississauga office at Ambler Drive.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all import and export reporting, customs entries, and claims are submitted accurately and within regulatory timelines. Maintain full compliance with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requirements, including activity within the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Portal. Ensure correct documentation, free trade agreement certificates, and application of the most favourable duty rates.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders. Stay current on import and export regulations and freight market conditions, and keep senior management informed of risks, changes, and issues. Prepare and distribute compliance communications as required.
• Manage regulatory compliance for controlled materials, including Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) requirements and hazardous goods regulations. Identify and assess new materials for customs classification and reporting.

• Maintain all non-resident importer processes with United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP), including management of the Automated Commercial Environment and Automated Clearing House (ACE/ACH) portals. Negotiate broker agreements, ensure customs master data integrity, and confirm accurate import and export documentation in compliance with US CBP and Partner Government Agency and Other Government Agency regulations.

• Support the Customs Supervisor with tariff classification activities. Monitor regulatory and tariff classification changes issued by the CBSA and ensure systems and processes are updated to remain compliant.

• Respond to internal customs-related inquiries from marketing, transportation, and international teams. Act as the primary contact with CBSA officials and coordinate responses to CBSA audits. Support internal audits, external auditors, and legal counsel by providing documentation and compliance information. Identify duty recovery and compliance improvement opportunities.

• Ensure compliance with the Customs Act and Customs Tariff Act by applying CBSA D-Memorandum guidance and maintaining Trusted Trader Program status. Review internal systems, initiate required updates, and lead testing to meet regulatory and business requirements. Maintain Descartes Visual Compliance software functionality and manage vendor contracts.

• Determine when to request national customs rulings or advance rulings and submit applications to the CBSA. Research customs decisions and appeals, assess business impact, and escalate issues as required. Implement approved controls and policy changes to reduce financial risk under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System. Take prompt corrective action upon receipt of a Notice of Penalty Assessment.

• Ensure customs valuation compliance, including assessment of royalties and licence fees. Determine whether additional duties or taxes apply and manage adjustments, ruling requests, or voluntary disclosures as required. Ensure awareness and adherence to CBSA and Partner Government Agency requirements.

• Oversee the maintenance and retention of customs documentation to meet CBSA audit and internal audit requirements. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures. Review monthly customs reports and ensure timely submission to finance and management. Evaluate scrap and obsolete inventory for duty drawback or duty relief opportunities and take appropriate action.

• Lead and manage customs staff by supporting hiring, performance management, development, and retention. Provide coaching, training, and cross-training while ensuring alignment with corporate employment objectives.

• Manage export compliance processes and procedures, ensuring all export activities meet regulatory requirements.

• Participate in original design manufacturer (ODM) vendor contract reviews, providing logistics and customs compliance input.

Qualifications

• Two-year Community College diploma, with 7 years related experience, or acceptable equivalent. Management experience required. Certified Customs Specialist designation and Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) required. Canadian CCS and CTCS with CSCB. US CCS with NCBFAA.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook. Proficient in the use of Descartes Visual Compliance (VC) software required for import and export. CARM, PIP and ACE Portal experience. SAP experience required.

• Predominantly routine problem solving with some significant elements. Significant problem solving is required to ensure customs compliance and selecting freight carriers.

• Must establish and maintain relationships with various government offices, overseas trade compliance teams, factories, industry contacts and PCI staff. Influences management to adapt procedures to ensure compliance with CBSA and US CBP regulations.

NICE-TO-HAVES:

• CITT, CITP, CIFFA programs are an asset.

WHAT YOU'LL EARN:

The annual/hourly wage range for this position is $72,985 - $115,000 CAD annually

In addition, the position of Customs Trade Compliance and Operations Manager is eligible for a maximum annual bonus of 10% of the base salary based on achievement of predetermined objectives.

BENEFITS & PERKS - WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

Panasonic Canada prioritizes total wellbeing. We offer a wide variety of benefits and programs to support your physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage with a Health Spending Account
• Panasonic Retirement Pension Plan (RPP/DCPP)
• Group Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
• Pregnancy Leave Top Up
• Education Assistance Program/ Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Purchase Program
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Competitive Rates on Home and Auto Insurance
• Employee Volunteer Program - Paid Time Off for Volunteer Days
• Onsite Events!
• And many more benefits & perks

HYBRID WORK MODEL

Panasonic Canada Inc. supports a hybrid work model. We understand that flexibility is essential for employees to do their best work while also balancing personal and life needs. Employees can expect to be in the office for a variable number of days per week based on the needs of the business unit, while having the ability to also work remote.

Panasonic Canada Inc. offers a Flexible Work Options policy which includes the ability to work remote, mobile, and create a compressed work schedule.

HOW TO APPLY

Please include a PDF copy of your current resume.

As part of our recruitment process, we may use automated or artificial intelligence-based tools to assist with sourcing and identifying potential candidates. These tools are used to support, not replace, human decision making.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We thank you for your interest in working for Panasonic Canada Inc.
REQ-154584