Sr. Customs Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview:

We are seeking an expert, highly analytical Senior Customs Tariff Classification Specialist to lead our tariff classification compliance program. The successful candidate will be part of the Global Customs & Trade Compliance (GCTC) organization that is responsible for the company's customs and trade compliance activity throughout the world. The team focuses on ensuring the company's imports and exports are handled efficiently and legally compliantly. This position's overall purpose is to play a crucial role in establishing and overseeing customs and international trade compliance activities for the company's U.S. operations. Your expertise will optimize duty/tariffs and ensure strict compliance across Adient's supply chain.

Core Responsibilities:

Tariff Classification: Manage the U.S. and Canadian tariff classification activity:

• Provide advice, and make determinations, regarding the classification of the articles that Adient imports and exports under the Harmonized System (and other laws) for the U.S. and Canada.
• Provide classification support to customs brokers and external service provider to ensure Just-In-Time (JIT) deliveries cross borders without customs delays.
• Access and review product engineering drawings and other sources to aid in the tariff classification determinations.
• Determine and manage special tariffs applied to Adient's imports - Section 122, Section 232, Section 301, ADD/CVD, etc.
• Coordinate and oversee the workload of an external service provider that provides tariff classification services.
• Review, approve, and keep updated classification decision trees, specification sheets, work instructions, and procedures.
• Audit classification determinations by the external service provider.
• Audit classifications declared on Adient's behalf by its customs brokers.
• Identify opportunities and assist local entities in taking advantage of those opportunities.
• Manage post summary correction activity and coordinate filings with approved customs brokers.
• Engage with external trade counsel to address tariff classification matters, as necessary.
• Review current and submit binding rulings, as required.
• Identify and manage tariff exclusion processes and activity.

Data Analytics and KPIs: Perform required customs data analysis and maintain work product:

• Obtain required tariff classification data and analyze for inconsistencies. Sources of data include Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), external service provider data and customs broker reports.
• Extract required import data reports in CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to run monthly audit processes and as needed to support data analysis activities.
• Maintain work product.
• Develop and manage standardized and repeatable processes for gathering and interpreting complex datasets from multiple sources.
• Perform tooling reviews and cost paid analyses to determine additional value/duty owed.
• Review, approve, and keep updated data related work instructions.
• Develop Power BI reports and other visualization tools.

Post Entry Corrections: Support post entry activity:

• Prepare and analyze data sets to identify post entry corrections for submission to CBP and CBSA, including Post Summary Corrections (PSC), Protests, and Prior Disclosures.
• Communicate and follow up for timely submission of post entry corrections with customs brokers.
• Prepare and maintain Prior Disclosure submissions, as needed.
• Determine and maintain 232 automotive offset license and 232 self-certification data sets, while communicating this data to an external service provider.
• Engage with external trade counsel to address post entry matters, as needed.
• Identify opportunities and assist local entities in taking advantage of those opportunities.
• Review, approve, and keep updated data related work instructions.

Audits & Controversies: Assist in the handling of customs & international trade compliance audits and controversies (penalties, disclosures, judicial or administrative proceedings, etc.) that arise between Adient and the customs authorities in the Americas. This will involve analyzing the facts and circumstances of Adient GCTC's program considering applicable Customs laws and may require coordination with Corporate Compliance and the Legal Department.

Special Projects: Lead special initiatives and projects to increase trade compliance and cost avoidance opportunities (e.g., Authorized Economic Operator, tariff exclusions, or other special importer status programs).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in annual planning and budgeting for duty expenses.
• Provide reviews and impacts of various trade-related actions as needed.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and procedures.
• Audit/monitor activities of Adient's personnel and its service providers.
• Perform data analytics to identify issues, risks and opportunities that may arise.
• Develop and deploy training and communication updates concerning compliance risk areas, enforcement trends, existing trade laws, regulations and developments in applicable laws and regulations.
• Oversee implementation and operation of information technology solutions.
• Provide technical advice to local and regional operations, management, and senior leadership.
• Partner with regional management and the business on Strategic projects.
• Coordinate with other functional partners, such as: Commercial, Finance, Risk Management, Legal Counsel, Tax, Information Systems, Procurement, Supply Planning, Logistics, etc. to resolve and/or improve related activities.
• Perform customs & trade related projects, as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university is required.
• Advanced knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), WCO Explanatory Notes, and specific automotive exclusions and determining US Harmonized Tariff Classifications (including Chapter 98 and Chapter 99).
• Ability to interpret automotive engineering drawings and CAD specifications.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying tariff classifications to Antidumping/Countervailing Duty cases, and with Free Trade Agreement eligibility.
• Expertise in the laws governing the import and export of goods, export controls, sanctions, embargoes, etc.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Access, Excel, and Power BI.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, presentation skills, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of regulations of government agencies other than Customs & Border Protection that impact cross border trade in the United States.
• 4 years' experience in a global trade compliance or related position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work within teams and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written.

Preferred Qualifications:

• U.S. Customs Brokers License (LCB).
• Experience in SAP, QAD, Global Trade Management applications
• Trade compliance and/or classification experience with automotive supplier or manufacturer.
• Knowledge of EU (European Union), APAC and other non-U.S. regimes is a plus.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI