The ICT Corporate Systems (CORF) Customs Systems Lead serves as the technical and functional lead for North American customs systems, providing strategic oversight, solution leadership, and operational governance for mission-critical import/export platforms. This role is accountable for end-to-end system ownership, ensuring operational continuity, compliance, data integrity, and alignment with evolving business and regulatory requirements.
The role partners closely with North American Customs Operations, Logistics & Export Operations, external customs brokers, consulting and audit partners, and strategic suppliers to deliver scalable and secure customs technology solutions supporting vehicle and parts cross-border operations.
As a senior SME and trusted advisor, this position drives modernization initiatives, process standardization, and enterprise-wide improvements that enhance customs compliance, operational efficiency, and duty optimization outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:Technical & Functional Leadership
- Serve as the primary technical and functional authority for North American customs systems and related integrations.
- Provide strategic solution direction, governance, and decision-making support for mission- and business-critical customs processes.
- Lead cross-functional alignment between ICT, Customs Operations, Logistics, external brokers, and strategic vendors.
- Influence enterprise customs technology strategy and roadmap planning.
- Operational Ownership & Production Support
- Ensure stability, availability, and performance of customs systems supporting vehicle and parts import/export operations and production schedules.
- Lead production incident, problem, and risk management activities for critical operational issues.
- Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and long-term process and system improvements.
- Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, audit, and enterprise operational standards.
Compliance & Trade Operations
- Support key compliance pillars including:
- Mandatory Declarations
- USMCA enforcement
- Trade security initiatives
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA) compliance
- Duty recovery and optimization
- Customs reporting and audit support
- Partner with business stakeholders to ensure systems align with changing customs regulations and operational requirements.
- Support audit readiness and regulatory compliance activities across North American operations.
Solution Delivery & Modernization
- Translate complex business requirements into scalable technical solutions and executable delivery plans.
- Lead modernization initiatives leveraging automation, analytics, AI, and data quality improvements.
- Drive standardization and simplification of customs processes and systems across regions where feasible.
- Oversee supplier delivery execution, ensuring alignment to scope, timelines, budget, and quality expectations.
Stakeholder & Vendor Management
- Act as the primary liaison between ICT leadership, customs business teams, and external strategic suppliers.
- Provide concise executive-level communication regarding project status, operational risks, escalations, and key decisions.
- Ensure vendors and service providers meet SLAs, cybersecurity standards, operational requirements, and delivery expectations.
- Mentor and guide junior analysts, project contributors, and support teams as needed.
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Business, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience supporting enterprise business systems, operational platforms, or mission-critical applications in automotive, manufacturing, logistics, or industrial environments.
- Proven experience serving as a lead SME, systems owner, or technical lead for business-critical applications.
- Strong understanding of customs operations, trade compliance, import/export processes, or cross-border logistics.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
- Excellent communication, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Experience managing vendors, external partners, or strategic suppliers in a complex enterprise environment.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience supporting customs brokerage systems, trade compliance platforms, or global logistics technologies.
- Knowledge of USMCA, Free Trade Agreements, customs regulations, and duty recovery processes.
- Experience with ERP integrations, EDI/API integrations, and enterprise data management.
- Familiarity with automation technologies, AI-enabled solutions, analytics platforms, or digital transformation initiatives.
- Experience with ITIL processes, production support governance, and operational service management.
