Our client is a world leader in the promotional products space, and they are in search of a Trade Compliance Manager to join their team Product Development/Supply Chain Team in the Greater Pittsburgh, PA area.
If you are compliance expert, well versed in regulatory and trade compliance, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) management, with strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, and understands all of these acronyms.....INCOTERMS, EAR, ITAR, FDA, CPSC, UL, EPA, APHIS, then this job is for YOU!
As the Trade Compliance Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the organization’s products and trade operations meet all applicable domestic and international regulations. This position oversees global product compliance, import/export compliance, and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) management, driving programs that mitigate risk, enhance efficiency, and support business growth.
In collaboration with supply chain, product development, quality, legal, and logistics teams you will help to embed compliance into daily operations.
The Day to Day:
Trade Compliance:
- Develop, implement, and manage trade compliance programs covering import, export, and customs regulations.
- Ensure accurate HTS classification, country of origin determination, and customs valuation.
- Monitor and manage trade restrictions, sanctions, and embargoes impacting company operations.
- Serve as primary liaison with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and customs brokers.
- Manage broker performance through KPIs, scorecards, and quarterly business reviews.
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Management:
- Own end-to-end FTZ operations, including admissions, inventory control, weekly entries, reconciliations, and annual reporting.
- Maintain FTZ activation, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with FTZ operators and internal stakeholders to ensure operational accuracy and efficiency.
Duty Mitigation & Cost Savings
- Lead duty savings programs, including Duty Drawback, Trade Preference Programs, Duty Engineering, and Defective Merchandise claims.
- Identify and execute new opportunities to reduce duty, tax, and compliance-related costs.
Policy, Training & Governance
- Develop and maintain trade compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Deliver training to internal teams to improve compliance awareness and execution.
- Lead internal audits and investigations; drive corrective action plans to closure.
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Partner with Product Development, Supply Chain, Quality, and Legal to integrate compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
- Represent the company in compliance discussions with regulators and industry groups as needed.
Continuous Improvement:
- Track and report KPIs to measure compliance effectiveness and operational performance.
- Stay current on regulatory changes, industry trends, and best practices.
- Drive process improvements to increase accuracy, scalability, and efficiency.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in trade compliance, including direct Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) management experience.
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, INCOTERMS, EAR, ITAR, and global product standards (FDA, CPSC, UL, EPA, APHIS).
- Experience managing customs brokers, CBP interactions, and internal audits.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with trade compliance systems and data analysis tools.
- Preferred: Licensed U.S. Customs Broker or FTZ Operator/Administrator certification.
