Director of Global Trade & Compliance

Champro® is a privately-owned sporting goods and apparel manufacturer that has been in business for 30+ years. We deliver high-value, traditional & innovative athletic equipment and apparel via outstanding, integrity-driven customer service. Our business philosophy is focused on our customers and we take pride in providing them with the best overall values in team sports products.

Position:

The Global Trade Compliance Manager / Director leads and oversees the enterprise-wide trade compliance program for U.S. imports and global logistics. This position is legally and operationally responsible for ensuring strict adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, the Tariff Act of 1930, U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and relevant Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The ideal candidate will transform trade compliance from a reactive tactical function into a data-driven internal control framework aligned with CBP's "Informed Compliance" and "Reasonable Care" standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Governance & Internal Controls

● Establish, document, and enforce company-wide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for U.S. import operations, classification, valuation, and recordkeeping.

● Serve as the primary legal and regulatory liaison to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other Partner Government Agencies (PGAs).

● Design and manage the company's internal audit program, reconciling monthly Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) data against internal ERP financial records.

● Oversee the submission of Post-Summary Corrections (PSCs) and formal Prior Disclosures under 19 U.S.C. § 1592 when errors or duty underpayments are identified.

● Ensure strict compliance with the 5-year statutory recordkeeping mandate under 19 C.F.R. Part 163.

2. Master Data Architecture & Classification

● Own and manage the enterprise Master HTS Database within the ERP/PLM systems, ensuring accurate 10-digit HTSUS and Schedule B classifications.

● Maintain clear cross-references, binding ruling documentation, and classification rationale for all active SKUs.

● Implement validation processes for Country of Origin (COO) determinations, ensuring compliance with non-preferential "substantial transformation" rules and preferential FTA requirements.

● Enforce strict supply chain tracing in compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and 19 U.S.C. § 1307.

3. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) & CAFTA-DR Administration

● Lead the qualification and audit engine for Free Trade Agreements, with an emphasis on CAFTA-DR and USMCA.

● Audit multi-level Indented Bills of Materials (BOMs) to verify Tariff Shift, Regional Value Content (RVC) calculations (Build-Up / Build-Down), and De Minimis (10%) thresholds.

● Validate supplier Certificates of Origin and maintain supporting workpapers to defend preferential SPI ("P" / "P+") duty-free claims during CBP audits.

4. Broker Governance & Valuation Oversight

● Manage Customs Powers of Attorney (POAs), conducting annual reviews and revoking dormant authorizations.

● Draft and enforce formal Customs Broker SOPs, prohibiting brokers from creating new HTS classifications or claiming FTA benefits without explicit internal authorization.

● Establish broker performance scorecards measuring entry filing accuracy (target ≥ 99.5%), timelines, and compliance adherence.

● Ensure proper customs valuation under Transaction Value rules, auditing declared values for statutory additions including assists (molds, tooling), packing, and royalty payments.

Experience & Skills:

● 8+ years of progressive trade compliance experience in a multi-national import/export environment, with at least 3+ years in a managerial role.

● Deep expertise in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (19 C.F.R.), and CBP valuation rules.

● Direct hands-on experience managing CAFTA-DR or textile/apparel origin qualification (including Yarn-Forward rules and Annex 4.1 origin criteria).

● Advanced proficiency in CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal and ERP systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM).

● Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills to interface across Legal, Procurement, Sourcing, and Supply Chain teams.

● Directly supervise and mentor the Trade Compliance Analyst, providing daily operational guidance on classification, customs documentation, and entry audits.

● Conduct regular performance evaluations, set individual KPIs, and foster continuous professional development in global trade regulations.

● Lead cross-functional collaboration across Supply Chain, Logistics, Sourcing, Accounting and Product Management teams to ensure seamlessly aligned trade compliance workflows.

Requirements:

● Required: Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) license issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

● Required: Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field (Master's or J.D. preferred).

● Preferred: Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS).

Company Culture:

We are proud to offer eligible associates a full-range of benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability, 401K, Profit Sharing, paid time off, holidays, and reimbursement toward gym membership fees. A collaborative atmosphere working together to exceed our customers’ expectations, as well as, an Equal Opportunity Employer bringing together diverse individuals to develop new and innovative solutions

Logistics | Hybrid in Bannockburn, IL | Full Time | From $130,000 to $170,000 per year