Customs Compliance Manager

Summary

The Customs Compliance Specialist is responsible for performing customs compliance-related duties on a professional level and works closely with the Director of Logistics & Customs, corporate logistics staff, plant-level logistics management and staff, as well as plant and corporate finance.

Job Duties

• Manage the relationship with Flex-N-Gate’s Canadian and U.S. Customs brokerage offices, with focus on adherence to SOP
• Oversee a small team of associates monitoring day to day clearance activities, including classification and compliance tasks
• Monitor clearances and work with FNG brokers to ensure accuracy of entries.
• Coordinate / maintain the part database that drives proper classification of materials imported to or exported from the exported from the US/Canada by Flex-N-Gate
• Assist with the tracking of and responding to inquiries from US and Canada Customs offices.
• Assist plants and additional members of the logistics team with classification of materials for shipping.
• Review and provide professional opinions on policies and practices associated with trade agreements.
• Assist Canadian plants with the management of GST payments and the required Statement of Account process managed through the Canadian brokerage office.
• File disputes of US / Canadian customs claims or penalty actions when appropriate in conjunction with outside counsel when required
• Develop and provide training to Flex-N-gate plants in matters of custom rules, regulations and document preparation, etc.
• Work together with Information Systems to develop and roll-out systemic tools to support creating uniformity of customs practices across all FNG operations where practical/feasible.
• Monitor changing legislation and government action, recommending courses of action to mitigate the financial impacts on FNG operations and international trade;
• Provide support to Purchasing through evaluation of INCO terms and customs costs as it impacts the landed cost of purchased components.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 10+ years verifiable experience in a manufacturing setting with customs operations and compliance responsibility OR if in a brokerage setting, with direct client interaction with automotive clients.
• Experience in US Customs ACE systems, including reporting, preferably as a system administrator
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Certifications in Compliance or Trade Specialist
• US Customs broker license not required but a plus
• Strong working knowledge of US Customs laws
• Minimum ten years’ experience in customs rules, regulations and compliance management;
• Mastery of Microsoft Excel, including use of pivot tables to analyze and present data.
• Ability to read, write and speak English effectively
• Basic mathematical skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong both written and verbal communication skills, with focus on ability to generate effective executive summaries of key data and customs actions
• Proficiency with database applications and administration systems, specifically Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• Ability to work effectively alone and prioritize
• Must be highly motivated, service and team-oriented individual with an attention to detail
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and associates
• Enthusiasm for challenge and new initiatives are prerequisites
• Strong analytical ability
• Demonstrated good internal customer service skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Detail oriented
• Good computer skills

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• 2-3 years related experience in customer service activities in a manufacturing or similar fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well in a team with customer-focused orientation and strong sense of delivery. Supervisory experience would be an asset
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Proficiency with database applications and administration systems, specifically Microsoft Office