Import Compliance Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Import Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring the company's import operations comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and all applicable trade laws. This role oversees the accurate classification of imported goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), manages relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders, and coordinates the end-to-end flow of container shipments from origin to destination, including bonded warehouse operations and duty drawback recovery. The ideal candidate combines deep trade compliance expertise with hands-on experience managing container logistics and import documentation.

JOB DUTIES:

• Manage the classification of imported products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), ensuring accuracy and consistency across the product catalog.
• Oversee end-to-end container import operations, including booking, customs clearance, port coordination, and delivery to distribution centers or warehouses.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customs brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers to resolve clearance delays, documentation discrepancies, and duty disputes.
• Ensure compliance with CBP regulations, Importer Security Filing (ISF) requirements, and other federal import/export regulations.
• Maintain and audit import records, entry summaries, and classification rulings to support recordkeeping requirements and prepare for CBP audits.
• Manage bonded warehouse operations, including inventory control, CBP-mandated recordkeeping, withdrawal entries, and coordination with warehouse operators to ensure compliance with 19 CFR Part 19.
• Monitor changes in tariff schedules, trade agreements, and duty rates (including Section 301, antidumping/countervailing duties) and assess their impact on the business.
• Identify and pursue duty savings opportunities, including free trade agreement eligibility, bonded warehouse deferral strategies, duty drawback, and first sale valuation.
• Administer the company's duty drawback program end-to-end: identify eligible import/export transactions, prepare and file drawback claims, maintain supporting documentation, and manage relationships with drawback service providers or brokers to maximize duty recovery.
• Partner with procurement, finance, and legal teams to evaluate landed cost impacts of tariff changes and sourcing decisions.
• Develop and maintain internal compliance policies, standard operating procedures, and training materials for classification and import processes.
• Manage and mentor import compliance analysts or coordinators, as applicable.
• Track key performance metrics related to container transit times, customs clearance rates, and compliance audit outcomes.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in import compliance, customs brokerage, or international trade, with direct experience in HTS classification. Strong working knowledge of CBP regulations, Incoterms, and international shipping documentation (bills of lading, commercial invoices, certificates of origin).
• Experience managing container shipments and coordinating with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.
• Experience with bonded warehouse (Class 3) operations and duty drawback claim preparation and filing.
• Familiarity with trade compliance software and ERP/TMS systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Descartes).
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) credential preferred, not required.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

$90,000 to $120,000, DOE