POSITION SUMMARY:This is a newly created role to assist with the insourcing of Clarience Technologies' U.S. import compliance program and will entail supplementing the policies, systems, broker relationships, and governance needed to support a multi-brand, global manufacturing organization. The U.S. Customs Manager will direct and oversee all operational and compliance activities related to the importation of goods into the United States, ensuring full adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, partner government agency (PGA) requirements, free trade agreement (FTA) eligibility, classification and valuation rules, and other federal trade laws. This is a hands-on, high-autonomy role suited to someone who has insourced a trade compliance function before, not only operated one.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Program Build & Governance - Supplement and standardize across various companies the U.S. import compliance efforts, including policies, SOPs, and a recordkeeping structure that meets 19 CFR a7163 requirements
- Develop a broker governance model: conduct a broker RFP/evaluation, define KPIs and SLAs, and manage ongoing broker performance
- Support the integration of newly acquired brands and business units into the compliance program as the company continues to grow through acquisition
Compliance Operations - Ensure compliance with CBP regulations, HTSUS classification, valuation, country-of-origin, and admissibility requirements across all Clarience brands importing into the U.S.
- Oversee daily customs clearance activity and manage customs broker relationships
- Review and approve HTS classifications, valuation determinations, and entry documentation
- Monitor liquidation, duty payments, and entry data accuracy via ACE reporting
Trade Programs & Duty Savings - Administer USMCA and other FTA qualification and certification processes, including rules-of-origin determinations
- Monitor Section 301, 232, and 201 tariff exposure; evaluate exclusion opportunities and cost-mitigation strategies
- Identify and pursue duty savings opportunities, including duty drawback and foreign-trade zone (FTZ) programs where applicable
Audit, Risk & Training - Lead internal audits, post-entry reviews, and manage CBP inquiries and requests for information
- Develop SOPs, deliver training, and enforce compliance governance across relevant business functions (sourcing, logistics, engineering, finance)
- Serve as the primary point of contact for CBP and other government agencies on trade compliance matters
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT(S): - Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S): Required - 7+ years of U.S. import compliance or customs operations experience, including experience building or substantially restructuring a compliance function (not solely maintaining an existing one)
- Strong working knowledge of CBP regulations, HTSUS, PGA rules, and customs valuation
- Experience managing customs brokers and working with ERP/GTM systems
- Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Preferred - Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB) - strongly preferred given the scope of this role
- Experience with CTPAT compliance and security programs, including certification builds
- Background in manufacturing, automotive, or commercial vehicle/technology sectors
- Experience with reconciliation, prior disclosures, duty drawback, FTZ, and CBP audits
- Experience supporting compliance integration during M&A
Key Competencies - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities
- Comfort operating with significant autonomy and ambiguity - this role builds infrastructure rather than inheriting it
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, multi-brand environment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Due to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requirements, all candidates must be presently classified as a quot;US Personquot; which includes: a United States citizen; a permanent legal resident (green card holder); or a protected individual (refugee/asylum status).
