Director, Customs & Trade Compliance

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment • Full-time • Greater Chicago Area, US • $150k - $225k / year • 6d ago

Director, Customs & Trade Compliance – Global Freight Forwarder – Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, or Los Angeles

Salary: $150,000 – $225,000 (DOE) + Bonus

Overview

We’re partnering with a leading international freight forwarder in search of an accomplished Director of Customs & Trade Compliance to oversee and elevate its national customs governance across the United States.

This strategic leadership role carries full responsibility for compliance integrity, CBP engagement, and the continuous improvement of all U.S. import programs. The position will drive regulatory excellence across key gateways—Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles—ensuring consistent execution, proactive risk management, and seamless alignment between compliance and commercial operations.

This is a pivotal opportunity for a seasoned customs executive with a proven record of leading large, multi-branch compliance functions in a global forwarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the nationwide customs compliance and governance strategy across all U.S. branches.
Oversee all programs related to HTS classification, drawback, reconciliation, post-entry review, and audit.
Act as the senior liaison with CBP, PGAs, and other federal agencies.
Direct internal audit initiatives, risk assessments, and corrective action plans.
Deliver regulatory training and compliance guidance across national brokerage and operations teams.
Manage ACE portal access, broker licensing, and comprehensive recordkeeping systems.
Ensure alignment with CTPAT, bonded warehouse, and ISA program requirements.
Champion process optimization, automation, and technology-driven compliance improvements.

Candidate Profile

Active U.S. Customs Broker License required.
15+ years of experience in customs compliance or brokerage management within freight forwarding or logistics.
Expert knowledge of CBP and Partner Government Agency (PGA) regulations.
Demonstrated success in drawback, reconciliation, prior disclosure, and audit functions.
Proven leadership of multi-location or national compliance teams.
Exceptional analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
Based in or open to relocation to Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, or Los Angeles.

What You’ll Gain

Executive-level position with nationwide scope and strategic authority.
Leadership across several major U.S. gateway operations.
Direct collaboration with senior global leadership on trade compliance initiatives.
Opportunity to modernize and transform compliance processes within a global logistics leader.
Competitive compensation package, bonus structure, and long-term growth prospects.