Freight Forwarding - Customs Compliance Manager

Customs Compliance Ana
Position Overview
The Customs Compliance Manager leads and oversees the day-to-day operations of the customs brokerage team with a specialized focus on compliance for the freight forwarding department. The role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing workflow efficiency, managing team performance, and supporting business growth initiatives. The role requires a strong understanding of import regulations and the proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This position plays a key role in maintaining service excellence, driving operational value and continuous improvement efforts, and acts as a subject matter expert for both internal teams and customers.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities
 Research customs rulings and determine the correct HTS classification, ensuring that the department stays in compliance with all regulations.
 Train and educate the freight forwarding team on regulations and compliance rulings that impact business operations.
 Manage drawback claims, accelerated payment processes, and CBP correspondence coordinate with Supply Chain, Finance and customers.
 Lead responses for drawback audits, import/export matching database, and CBP requests for information related to drawback claims.
 Oversee daily customs brokerage operations for a regional team of employees, ensuring compliance with all U.S. Customs and PGA regulations.
 Build, lead, and develop a high-performing customs brokerage team including performance management of the team.
 Coach and mentor team to meet performance goals and service standards.
 Ensure accurate and timely filing of entries and related documentation.
 Monitor and respond to regulatory changes; update procedures as needed.
 Collaborate with internal teams to support customer service and operational efficiency.
 Develop and implement entry audit processes to ensure accuracy and revenue protection.
 Support mitigation efforts for penalties, protests, and post-summary corrections.
 Perform other related job duties as assigned or required.

Required Qualifications
 Active U.S Customs Broker License
 Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
 Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a Customs Brokerage environment
 Demonstrated expertise in PGA processes (especially FDA, APHIS, Fish & Wildlife, EPA, DOT)
 Experience with post summary corrections, protests, and penalty mitigation
 In-depth knowledge of U.S. import regulations and compliance requirements
 Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google applications
 Proven ability to lead teams effectively through strong interpersonal and leadership skills
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and confidently at all levels

Preferred Qualifications
 Bilingual in English/Korean is a plus.

Physical Requirements
This is largely a sedentary role requiring the physical ability to:
 Sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk while working on a computer
 Use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, mouse, and telephone
 Speak and hear clearly in person, virtually, and over the phone
 Occasionally stand, walk, reach, stoop, or lift up to 10 pounds

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