Import Compliance Manager

Job Summary

The Manager of Compliance – Import Control is responsible for leading a team of specialists in ensuring the company's compliance with all U.S. and international import regulations, managing customs activities, and implementing best practices for global trade operations. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams including supply chain, legal, and finance to support the importation of goods in accordance with federal regulations and company policies.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), and other relevant government agencies.

• Identify import compliance issues and risk areas, develop solutions and provide guidance to the Director of Governance & Compliance on resolving issues to support business objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations and internal policies.

• Monitor and stay current on import/export regulations, including changes to HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) classifications, valuation, and country of origin determinations.

• Oversee adherence to U.S. import laws and the regulatory requirements of countries the company imports from, including duties, taxes, and fees.

• Manage the company's C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) program, ensuring that all security procedures are followed.

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation and submission of import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.

• Maintain appropriate records to comply with federal record-keeping requirements (e.g., 19 CFR Part 163).

• Act as the primary point of contact with customs brokers and freight forwarders, ensuring they follow company policies and U.S. Customs procedures.

• Manage the classification of imported products to ensure proper tariff schedules, duty rates, and free trade agreements are applied.

• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with import regulations and company procedures.

• Lead responses to any government inquiries, audits, or investigations related to imports.

• Develop and implement corrective actions based on audit findings and regulatory changes.

• Develop, update, and maintain import compliance policies and procedures.

• Provide training and resources to internal teams on import compliance and best practices.

• Support the investigation of potential violations of import regulations and ensure timely resolution.

• Work with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure that international suppliers understand and comply with U.S. import requirements.

• Collaborate with the legal department to review international contracts and agreements that may impact trade compliance.

• Partner with finance teams to ensure accurate duty payments, duty drawbacks, and reconciliation of import fees.

• Support the investigation of potential violations of import regulations and ensure timely resolution.

• Work with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure that international suppliers understand and comply with U.S. import requirements.

• Collaborate with the legal department to review international contracts and agreements that may impact trade compliance.

• Partner with finance teams to ensure accurate duty payments, duty drawbacks, and reconciliation of import fees
.
• Supports the development and implementation of short and long-term import strategies for compliance initiatives.

• Manage the import control team and ensure the team receives the necessary training to perform their work.

• Other duties may be assigned.

1. Must be authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
2. This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. green card holder), political asylee or refugee


Location: Irvine, CA or Grand Prairie, TX

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate discipline such as international business, management, or engineering from an accredited educational institution and four (4)+ years of experience managing a trade compliance program OR ten (10)+ years of equivalent experience in import compliance, international trade, or related areas.

• Customs Broker License (LCB), preferred.

• Strong working knowledge of import and export regulations including expert knowledge of the U.S. Import Regulations (19 CFR), as well as others that may apply.

• Strong HTS classification skills.

• Familiarity with U.S. government regulations, procedures and organizations is highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Import and trade compliance related work experience, preferably in the Aerospace or similar industry.
• Military program experience a plus.
• Previous experience as a Designated Official under the Controlled Goods Program, and/or a role in a multi-national company as an Import Control Officer, is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Customs regulations, shipping and logistics.

Leadership skills / Management skills / Personal skills

• Change agent
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and government agencies, customers and vendors.
• Customer oriented
• Integrity
• Detailed Orientated
• Analytical Problem Solver
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
• Adaptable
• Confidentiality

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position and occasionally move about the office. Constantly operates and use a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copier/printer. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information these situations. The ability to observe, identify and assess details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds across office for various needs.

Work Environment

The work environment is in office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Travel Specificity
Potential travel between Irvine, California, Grand Prairie, Calexico, and Mexicali up to 25%.