Trade Compliance Specialist

Title: Trade Compliance Specialist

Location: Houston, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 12,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to support and execute the U.S. trade compliance program, with a primary focus on import and export compliance activities. This role serves as a key individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for managing day-to-day compliance processes, partnering cross-functionally, and driving continuous improvement across trade compliance operations.

The position requires a self-directed professional capable of providing functional leadership without direct reports while collaborating across KAI business units and global Kuraray entities.

This is a hybrid role coming in a twice a week.

Responsibilities:

Trade Compliance Execution

• Execute and support the KAI Trade Compliance program in alignment with U.S. regulatory requirements (e.g., CBP, EAR)
• Manage daily import and export compliance activities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Monitor regulatory updates and proactively communicate impacts to key stakeholders

Process & Program Management

• Develop, maintain, and enhance trade compliance procedures, SOPs, and internal controls
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to global risk compliance and enforcement
• Maintain accurate and complete trade compliance records

Classification & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee product classification activities, including HTS and Schedule B codes
• Ensure timely ISF filings and post-entry corrections in accordance with company processes
• Support Free Trade Agreements (FTA), supplier certifications, and duty drawback programs
• Ensure compliance with FTZ and bonded warehouse requirements (as applicable)

Broker & Vendor Management

• Coordinate with customs brokers (CHBs) to ensure service quality and regulatory adherence
• Monitor broker performance, support KPI tracking, and contribute to performance reviews

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Logistics, Procurement, and Customer Service to ensure compliance across business processes
• Support Procurement in compliance aspects of contracts and supplier engagement

Audit, Risk & Enforcement

• Perform internal audits and risk assessments to identify gaps and drive corrective actions
• Respond to government inquiries and support mitigation and resolution efforts

Training & Enablement

• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders through daily interactions, formal materials, and presentations
• Develop best practices and identify efficiency opportunities across trade compliance processes

Systems & Special Programs

• Serve as Trade Account Owner (TAO) for ACE account access and oversight
• Support administration of the PMS program

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, or a related field

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in import/export compliance

• Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations (CBP, EAR), including:

• Duty rates and tariff classification

• Import/export documentation requirements

• Pre-shipment inspection requirements

• Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations (CBP, EAR), including:

• Duty rates and tariff classification

• Import/export documentation requirements

• Pre-shipment inspection requirements

• Experience working with customs brokers and government systems, including ACE

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities

• Demonstrated ability to influence and provide guidance without direct authority

• Ability to travel 5% of the time

• Valid driver's license required.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus

• Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.

• Business Insight

• Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.

• Cultivates Innovation

• Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented

• Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

• Ensures Accountability

• Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

• Drives Results

• Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance

• Collaborates

• Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

• Values Difference

• Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization

• Communicates Effectively

• Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

• Courage

• Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

• Instills Trust

• Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

• Situational Adaptability

• Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

No third-party candidates accepted.