Director of Customs Compliance
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Customs Compliance to oversee and manage all aspects of import brokerage compliance across the U.S. This role requires a strong leader with in-depth knowledge of customs regulations and a proactive approach to ensuring compliance with all applicable government agencies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in import regulations, risk management, and policy enforcement, along with excellent communication and leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive customs compliance program, ensuring adherence to U.S. Customs and Participating Government Agency (PGA) regulations.
- Establish and enforce policies and procedures related to import compliance, including reasonable care, recordkeeping, and regulatory updates.
- Serve as a key point of contact for internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies, providing expert guidance on customs regulations and compliance matters.
- Monitor, audit, and enhance import brokerage operations across multiple branches to ensure adherence to company and regulatory standards.
- Provide internal compliance training and regulatory updates to employees across the organization.
- Oversee customs clearance operations, including classification research, post-summary corrections, protests, and prior disclosures.
- Manage internal audits, shadow audits, and assessments to improve compliance and minimize risk exposure.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of customs brokerage operations, including employee licensing, ACE portal management, and CBP reporting.
- Lead compliance initiatives related to CTPAT security criteria, bonded CFS station compliance, and importer classification projects.
- Collaborate with sales teams, operations, and external stakeholders to support business objectives while maintaining strict compliance.
- Stay updated on evolving import regulations and advise management on potential impacts and necessary adjustments to company policies.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Licensed Customs Broker required.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in customs brokerage and import compliance with strong regulatory and classification knowledge.
- At least 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience, leading compliance teams.
- Expertise in CBP regulations, post-entry processes, and compliance auditing.
- Proficiency in ACE Portal, customs software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with CTPAT compliance, FDA/PGA regulations, and bonded warehouse operations is a plus.