Position SummaryThe Regional Tariff Manager owns enterprise-wide tariff exposure, duty recovery, and trade-related margin protection for North America. They are responsible for leading tariff compliance, duty optimization, and trade program strategies across multiple sites and countries within the region. The role is accountable for ensuring the company pays only what is legally required, recovers eligible duties efficiently, and maintains full compliance. This role partners closely with supply chain, logistics, procurement, finance, customs brokers, and operations teams to ensure compliance with international trade regulations while minimizing tariff exposure and supporting business continuity.
Success in this role is measured by cash recovered, margin protected, risk mitigated, and durability of processes established..
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesTariff Strategy & Risk Management- Own and continuously optimize the North American tariff strategy, including Section 232, Section 301, IEEPA, and other applicable trade measures
- Manage regional tariff compliance activities across manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, and supply chain operations.
- Lead tariff classification reviews using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes and maintain classification accuracy across product portfolios.
- Monitor global trade developments, tariff changes, sanctions, and import/export regulations impacting the business.
- Lead customs audits, internal compliance reviews, and corrective action initiatives.
- Develop and implement tariff mitigation strategies including Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), First Sale programs, tariff engineering, duty drawback programs, Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), and country of origin optimization
Duty Drawback & Recovery- Design, execute, and scale duty drawback programs (manufacturing drawback, re-export, substitution where applicable)
- Ensure timely recovery of duties with disciplined documentation, validation, and audit-ready submissions
- Prevent value leakage from missed deadlines, incomplete claims, or duplicate entries
Program Leadership & Execution- Establish clear targets, timelines, dashboards, and cadence reviews for all tariff and drawback activities
- Drive cross-functional execution across Finance, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Engineering, Sales Administration, and Operations
- Partner with sourcing and procurement teams to evaluate tariff impacts on supplier and material decisions.
- Analyze tariff exposure and provide cost-saving recommendations to leadership.
- Collaborate with finance regarding duty accruals, reconciliation, and landed cost analysis
- Create reporting metrics and dashboards related to duties, tariffs, savings initiatives, and compliance performance
- Escalate risks early and provide clear visibility to senior leadership
External Stakeholder Management- Serve as primary interface with customs brokers, drawback specialists, trade attorneys, and external auditors
- Coordinate submissions and defenses with authorities when required
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, Trade Compliance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in tariff management, customs compliance, global trade, or international logistics.
- Strong knowledge of HTS classification, customs regulations, USMCA and other FTAs, duty drawback, import/export compliance, customs valuation, and country of origin rules.
- Experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment preferred.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and trade compliance software.
- Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple regional priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Licensed Customs Broker certification preferred.
- Experience supporting multi-site or multi-country operations.
- Knowledge of Mexico maquiladora/IMMEX programs, tariff engineering, or global sourcing strategies is a plus.
- Lean, continuous improvement, or project management experience preferred.
Key Competencies- Trade Compliance Expertise
- Strategic Thinking
- Risk Management
- Data Analysis
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Process Improvement
- Regulatory Knowledge
- Cost Optimization
- Communication Skills
- Decision Making
Work Environment & Travel- Hybrid office and manufacturing environment.
- Regional travel up to 25% may be required.
- Ability to support multiple facilities and operational teams across the region.
