Job Function: Supply Chain Deliver
Job Sub Function: Transportation Services
Job Category:Professional
All Job Posting Locations:El Paso, Texas, United States of America, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
Job Description:We are searching for the best talent for a
Trade Operations Southern Border Lead. The role must be based out of El Paso, TX. Purpose: The Trade Operations Lead Southern Border North America provides hands-on operational ownership and tactical oversight of Southern-border maquila activities and U.S. import/export execution for Johnson & Johnson.
Reporting to the Manager, Trade Operations MedTech North America, this role is the company's primary operational representative to U.S. Customs (CBP), FDA (as applicable), customs brokers, carriers, 3PLs, surety providers, maquila partners and other governmental authorities. This position ensures, together with other associates from Trade Operations North America also responsible for risk management and post-audit activities, compliance and integrity of Importer of Record (IOR) and Exporter of Record (EOR) responsibilities across the U.S. territory while actively managing the end-to-end lifecycle of Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) to avoid bond claims, penalties, and supply disruptions.
You will be responsible for:- Respond to requests for information (RFIs), audits, and inquiries from U.S. Customs, FDA, and other government agencies; coordinate evidence collection, prepare responses, and manage follow-up until resolution.
- Monitor compliance KPIs, duty optimization opportunities (e.g., preferential origin under USMCA), drawback, FTZ or bonded solutions where applicable, and identify cost-saving opportunities that maintain compliance.
- Drive standard operating procedures, controls, and process improvements for cross-border trade, TIB management, and maquila operations to reduce risk and cost and increase speed to market.
- Serve as the trade compliance subject matter expert (SME) for cross-functional and Operating Company (OpCo) projects - providing analysis, implementation guidance, and risk assessments to supply-chain initiatives.
- Navigate in Trade Software tools to perform reconciliations, audits and check-points of E2E transactions, involving Maquila, including Mexico Inbound / IMMEX / "Pedimentos" / Mex Exports / US Import, to identify inconsistencies and reduce declaration exposure.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Tax, Finance) to ensure smooth cross-functional execution.
- Follow internal Trade Procedures and maintain audit readiness for customs, trade, and regulatory inspections;
- Proactively identify, quantify, and implement duty-savings initiatives (duty drawback, preferential origin claims, FTZ strategies), and track realized savings.
- Partner with J&J Deliver Quality, and other areas, to ensure that activities are managed within the appropriate corporate framework and comply with other Johnson & Johnson guidelines (RIM, Procurement Red Book, Travel Policy, Training, etc).
Qualifications/Requirements:- Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business, Law, or related field (or equivalent experience) required.
- Fluent Spanish / English required.
- Licensed Customs Broker and/or Certified Customs Specialist preferred.
- 6-10 years of progressive experience in customs, trade compliance, or cross-border operations; specific experience with maquiladora/IMMEX, or equivalent programs, strongly preferred.
- Hands-on experience acting as or closely supporting Importer of Record and Exporter of Record responsibilities for U.S. imports/exports.
- Direct experience managing Maquila and/or Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) processes and lifecycle preferred.
- Experience with SAP GTS, customs entry software, and EDI/ACE integrations.
- Prior experience supporting FDA-regulated product imports/exports or working with regulated supply-chains.
- Experience with duty mitigation programs (FTZ, drawback) and preferential origin documentation.
- Demonstrated experience working directly with U.S. Customs (CBP) and managing customs broker/forwarder relationships.
- Strong knowledge of HTS classification, valuation, country-of-origin rules, duty regimes, USMCA, ACE/AES filing processes, and broker interactions.
- Proven ability to manage complex operational issues, lead cross-functional projects, and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact with regulators, vendors, and senior leadership.
Required Skills:Preferred Skills:Accountability, Coaching, Communication, Data Analysis, Digital Supply Chain Management, Distribution Management, Mental Agility, Order Management, Organizing, Problem Solving, Safety-Oriented, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Strategic Supply Chain Management, Sustainable Distribution, Transportation Management, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Transport Networks
The anticipated base pay range for this position is :$94,000.00 - $151,800.00
Additional Description for Pay Transparency:
Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company's consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:
Vacation -120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado -48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington -56 hours per calendar year
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays -13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave - 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave - 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave - 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period10 days
Volunteer Leave - 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off - 80 hours per calendar year
For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: - https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits
