Senior Customs Director

Senior Customs Director - Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Customs Director to lead and transform our customs and trade compliance function across North America. This is a high-impact, ground-floor opportunity to build internal capabilities, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize import operations at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Customs Compliance & Oversight

• Own end-to-end customs compliance across North America
• Ensure accurate HTS classification for all imported products
• Oversee and manage customs brokers and freight forwarders
• Maintain compliance with all U.S. customs regulations

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate compliance risks
• Ensure proper documentation and audit readiness
• Monitor for exposure to penalties, duties, or chargebacks

Process Optimization

• Evaluate and redesign customs and import processes
• Improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost control
• Implement best practices in trade compliance

Strategic Initiatives

• Assess feasibility of in-house customs clearance
• Identify cost-saving opportunities (e.g., duty drawback programs)
• Build roadmap for internal customs function

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, logistics, and procurement teams
• Provide expertise on tariffs, duties, and trade regulations
• Support inbound supply chain decision-making

Required

• 10+ years in customs, trade compliance, or import/export operations

• Deep expertise in:

• HTS classification

• U.S. customs regulations

• ACE portal

• Broker/forwarder management

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred

• Experience in distribution or manufacturing environments
• Experience scaling or building a customs function
• Knowledge of duty drawback programs

Skills & Competencies

• Technical depth in customs and trade compliance
• Independent, self-starter mindset
• Strong stakeholder management
• Ability to build processes from the ground up

Location

• U.S.-based (remote eligible)
• Preferred: Philadelphia area
• Travel as needed to U.S. and Canadian locations

Why This Role

• Build a critical function from the ground up
• Direct impact on risk mitigation and cost savings
• High visibility with senior leadership
• Opportunity to scale into a team leadership role

Success Metrics (First 6 Months)

• Full assessment of current customs operations
• Elimination of compliance gaps
• Improved broker oversight and accuracy
• Clear roadmap for internal customs capability