Senior Customs Director
Almo, Phila, PA, United States
Senior Customs Director
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
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 Identify and mitigate compliance risks Ensure proper documentation and audit readiness Monitor for exposure to penalties, duties, or chargebacks Evaluate and redesign customs and import processes Improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost control Implement best practices in trade compliance Assess feasibility of in-house customs clearance Identify cost-saving opportunities (e.g., duty drawback programs) Build roadmap for internal customs function Partner with operations, logistics, and procurement teams Provide expertise on tariffs, duties, and trade regulations Support inbound supply chain decision-making Qualifications
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
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
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 Identify and mitigate compliance risks Ensure proper documentation and audit readiness Monitor for exposure to penalties, duties, or chargebacks Evaluate and redesign customs and import processes Improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost control Implement best practices in trade compliance Assess feasibility of in-house customs clearance Identify cost-saving opportunities (e.g., duty drawback programs) Build roadmap for internal customs function Partner with operations, logistics, and procurement teams Provide expertise on tariffs, duties, and trade regulations Support inbound supply chain decision-making Qualifications
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