Location: Houston, TX (On-site)
Reports to: General Manager
Supervises: Customs Brokerage Team
Status: Full-time
Role SummaryThe
Director of Customs Compliance (Licensed Customs Broker) leads the company's customs brokerage function and ensures all import activities meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. This role provides senior-level expertise, oversees entry accuracy and timeliness, and maintains strong internal processes and controls.
You will work closely with the General Manager to maintain a compliant, efficient, and well-structured operation while serving as the
primary licensed authority for customs matters. This is not a purely strategic role-you will also share responsibility for customs-related operational coordination to ensure smooth shipment flow and strong customer support.
Key ResponsibilitiesCustoms Compliance Leadership- Serve as the company's Licensed Customs Broker, reviewing and signing entries as required
- Oversee all brokerage activities to ensure full CBP compliance
- Review documentation, classifications, valuations, and PGA requirements
- Monitor regulatory changes and communicate updates internally and to clients
- Resolve escalated customs issues, discrepancies, and compliance concerns
- Support internal audits, post-entry processes, and corrective actions
Brokerage Team Leadership- Supervise, mentor, and develop the customs brokerage team
- Provide guidance and training on classification, valuation, and regulatory requirements
- Ensure adherence to SOPs, workflows, and quality standards
- Support onboarding and training of new team members
Operational Support (Compliance-Focused)- Manage import/export shipments from pre-alert through customs clearance and release
- Review shipping documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading)
- Coordinate clearance activities and resolve documentation issues or holds
- Communicate daily with clients, carriers, warehouses, and overseas agents
- Support operations with customs-specific inquiries for active shipments or new prospects
Process & Continuous Improvement- Collaborate with the General Manager to develop, implement, and enforce SOPs
- Improve compliance accuracy, operational efficiency, and team capability
- Participate in special projects related to regulatory changes or process optimization
Industry Engagement- Attend monthly HCBFFA board meetings and luncheons as the company's primary compliance representative
- Maintain professional development and industry awareness
RequirementsRequired- Active U.S. Customs Broker License
- Extensive experience in customs brokerage and compliance
- Strong knowledge of CBP regulations, HTS classification, valuation, PGA requirements, and entry processes
- Proven leadership or supervisory experience
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Fully on-site in Houston
Preferred- Experience in logistics, freight forwarding, or related operations
- Familiarity with ACE, ABI software, and related systems (Magaya preferred)
- Experience developing or improving SOPs and compliance programs
Benefits- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Training & Development
Licensed Customs Broker, LCB, Customs Broker, CBP Regulations, HTS Classification, Harmonized Tariff Schedule, PGA, Partner Government Agency, Entry Filing, Duty Drawback, FTZ, Foreign Trade Zone, Trade Compliance, Freight Forwarding, Magaya, ACE, ABI software, Supervisory experience, Leadership, Compliance, Houston, Port of Houston, SOP development
