Job Description** In addition to Billerica, MA and Elkridge, MD this position may be able to work from other Teledyne office locations. **Job Summary:The Director, Customs Compliance - Americas is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance, and operational oversight of the customs compliance program across all business units in the Americas. This role ensures full compliance with applicable customs laws and regulations while supporting business objectives through effective risk management, process standardization, and stakeholder engagement. The position requires deep technical expertise in customs classification, valuation, origin, free trade agreements, tariff mitigation, and audit management, as well as the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, business-aligned solutions. The Director serves as a key advisor to senior leadership and acts as a point of contact for customs authorities, internal audit, and cross-functional partners on customs-related matters. This position will manage a team of 4-5 direct reports.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:Program Leadership & Governance- Own and continuously enhance the global customs compliance program for the Digital Imaging segment, ensuring alignment with corporate trade compliance policies and regulatory requirements.
- Establish, maintain, and enforce standardized customs procedures, internal controls, and documentation practices across all sites.
- Provide governance oversight for the use of preferential trade programs, including FTAs/USMCA, duty mitigation programs, and special customs regimes.
- Advise senior leadership on customs risk, cost exposure, and strategic opportunities related to sourcing, manufacturing, and market expansion.
- Monitor regulatory developments and enforcement trends impacting the Digital Imaging business and proactively assess potential impacts.
Technical Customs Compliance- Provide authoritative guidance on HS classification, customs valuation, country of origin determinations, and tariff applicability (including Sections 232, 301, 122, and IEEPA-related measures).
- Review and approve classification determinations, bills of materials, origin analyses, and valuation methodologies for complex or high-risk products.
- Act as point of escalation for export Customs filing issues or concern.
- Ensure accurate and timely customs filings through oversight of brokers, freight forwarders, and internal teams.
Audit, Investigations & Government Interaction- Draft responses to CBP and foreign customs authority inquiries, including CF28s, audits, verifications, and post-entry reviews.
- Coordinate internal audits, compliance assessments, and corrective action plans; partner with Internal Audit and Legal as needed.
- Develop and implement corrective action plans for resolution of regulatory or policy concerns.
Operational Oversight & Broker Management- Oversee broker and service provider performance, including selection, onboarding, KPI development, and ongoing performance reviews.
- Ensure data accuracy and integrity in customs-related systems (e.g., ACE, MSS) and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide escalation support for complex or time-sensitive customs issues impacting shipments or business continuity.
Training and Communication- Develop and deliver customs compliance training for trade, supply chain, engineering, finance, and other cross-functional teams.
- Translate regulatory changes and enforcement trends into clear internal guidance and executive-level communications.
- Support onboarding and development of customs compliance staff and managers across regions.
- Conduct in-person and remote facility assessments for compliance.
Job Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in international business, supply chain, law or related field required, advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in customs and trade compliance, including leadership of regional or global programs. Export compliance experience preferred, U.S. Customs Broker License strongly desired.
- Prior people leadership experience required.
- Demonstrated expertise in U.S. and international customs laws, including classification, valuation, origin, FTAs, and tariff programs.
- Experience managing customs audits, government inquiries, and broker relationships.
- Strong ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proven ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Experience working in a multinational, regulated environment; defense, aerospace, or high-technology industry experience preferred.
- Able and willing to travel approximately 15% to company locations across North America and internationally.
- Must be a U.S. person under export control regulations.
Salary Range: $120,300.00-$160,400.000
Pay TransparencyThe anticipated salary range listed for this role is only an estimate. Actual compensation for successful candidates is carefully determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, local regulations (such as minimum wage), education/training, work experience, key skills, and type of position.
