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Umbilical Advanced

Foreign Trade Specialist

Umbilical Advanced, Lansing, Michigan, United States

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Business Development Director – Advanced Engineering / Life Science Base pay range: $100,000 – $140,000 per year.

Benefits

20 days annual leave + PTO + ESTA

Full-time, permanent role (40 hours per week)

Laptop and mobile provided

401(k) with employer match + full medical, dental & vision coverage

Hybrid working: 4 days onsite, 1 day from home

Umbilical Search is partnering with a global manufacturing business with a significant North American footprint. The organization operates multiple sites across the USA and Mexico, supplying high-volume manufacturing operations and managing complex foreign trade flows across the region.

This is a pivotal opportunity for an experienced Foreign Trade professional to take ownership of all customs, tariff, and trade compliance activities across North America, directly influencing regional financial performance and shaping the company’s tariff mitigation strategy.

You will lead cross-functional trade initiatives, implement best-practice compliance programs, navigate changing regulations across the USA, Canada and Mexico, and act as the primary advisor to senior leadership on foreign trade matters.

Key Responsibilities

Lead regional customs and foreign trade compliance programs across the North American region

Develop, implement and monitor processes that ensure full adherence to trade laws and internal standards

Oversee Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations and related compliance requirements

Support IMMEX compliance activities in Mexico

Liaise with customs authorities, brokers and internal stakeholders

Interpret HTS codes, tariff rules and regulatory changes to support strategic decisions

Develop and implement tariff mitigation strategies to reduce financial impact

Prepare and submit PSCs and support cost recovery initiatives using Free Trade Agreements

Ensure accurate product classification and integrity of SAP data

Present analysis and updates to regional and international senior leadership

Provide clear, layman-friendly explanations of complex trade topics to the wider business

About You

Role Background:

Experience in roles such as Export Specialist, Trade Compliance Analyst, Customs Compliance Specialist, Export Control Officer, Foreign Trade Manager or similar

Sector:

Experience from any manufacturing environment with significant international trade flows

Experienced in foreign trade, customs, import/export, logistics or export control

Strong knowledge of HTS classification, trade regulations and tariff processes

Prior experience working with customs brokers, government authorities or FTZ/IMMEX programs

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business or International Trade is preferred but not essential

Certifications:

CCS or CES strongly preferred

Excellent communication, able to simplify complex regulatory topics

Why Apply? This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a region-wide foreign trade function within a global manufacturing organization. You will have direct visibility with senior leadership, influence major financial outcomes, and shape compliance and tariff strategy during an unprecedented period of regulatory change. The role offers long-term career development, with clear pathways into broader Supply Chain, Purchasing or Compliance leadership positions.

How to apply Please click “apply” or for further information, contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical LLC, or email a current CV to

ajay@umbilicaladvanced.com .

Umbilical LLC is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience.

We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.

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