Global Customs Compliance Manager
GTI FabricationPosition Overview
Key Responsibilities
Customs Entries and Broker Coordination
- Coordinate customs clearance requirements with customs brokers, freight forwarders, suppliers, and internal teams across 200+ annual import transactions
- Review customs entries (CBP Form 7501) and entry summaries for accurate classification, country of origin, declared value, duties, and applicable tariff provisions
- Resolve entry discrepancies with brokers and track corrections through completion; escalate clearance risks that could delay shipments or create cost overruns
- Maintain comprehensive entry register linking customs entries to GTI load numbers, purchase orders, projects, and supporting documentation for audit trail and compliance
- Manage relationships with brokers and freight forwarders; evaluate broker performance and address recurring errors or compliance gaps
- Maintain centralized, current product classification database with HTSUS codes, product descriptions, countries of origin, classification rationale, and applicable duty rates
- Work with Engineering, Procurement, suppliers, and brokers to obtain technical specifications and documentation needed for accurate tariff classification
- Monitor tariff changes, CBP guidance, preferential trade program requirements, and Section 232/301 duties affecting GTI products and suppliers
- Maintain tariff watch list; communicate effective dates, affected products, estimated cost impacts, and required company actions to Finance and Operations
- Support duty estimates for new purchases, projects, and supplier negotiations; clearly identify assumptions and unresolved questions
- Review eligibility and documentation requirements for preferential treatment, including USMCA qualification and supporting supplier documentation
- Manage review and reconciliation of Periodic Monthly Statements (PMS) from brokers; match charges to entry records and investigate discrepancies
- Coordinate timely payment of customs duties with Finance and brokers; maintain visibility into outstanding obligations and estimated cash flow
- Track entry liquidation, correction, and protest deadlines; identify and pursue refund opportunities with brokers or qualified trade counsel
- Maintain documentation of submissions and monitor claims through final resolution and receipt of refund funds
- Provide Finance with regular reporting on duty spend, trends, and cost-saving opportunities
- Manage authorized company access to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), including account maintenance, data integrity, and CBP issue resolution
- Maintain current importer records, CBP Forms 5106, broker powers of attorney, customs bonds, and all required trade documentation
- Monitor customs bond sufficiency; coordinate renewals and increases with bond broker, Finance, and Logistics leadership
- Track CBP notices, audit requests, and response deadlines; ensure timely, complete responses
- Maintain organized customs records in accordance with retention requirements and audit standards; prepare for CBP audits and examinations
- Develop and document customs compliance procedures, checklists, internal controls, and audit protocols to ensure consistent, accurate entry practices
- Conduct routine entry audits and address recurring broker, supplier, or internal documentation errors
- Train Logistics Coordinators, Procurement, and project teams on documentation, country of origin marking, and information required for compliant imports
- Provide regular compliance reporting to leadership on duty spend, entry discrepancies, pending refunds, upcoming deadlines, and regulatory risks
- Identify opportunities to optimize tariff classification, reduce duty costs, or streamline customs processes
- Escalate complex legal interpretations, trade program questions, or tariff disputes to qualified customs brokers or trade counsel
Tariff Classification & Trade Strategy
PMS, Duties & Refund Management
ACE, Compliance & Record Management
Process Ownership and Internal Support
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 5+ years of hands-on customs compliance, customs brokerage, or importer compliance experience
- Demonstrated experience supporting multiple clients, suppliers, or companies (not limited to single-company background); comfort with diverse product types and geographies
- Strong practical experience with ACE, PMS reconciliation, entry summaries (CBP Form 7501), HTSUS tariff classification, customs valuation, and country of origin requirements
- Proven experience researching tariff changes, exclusions, and trade program rules; translating tariff changes into operational impact and cost estimates
- Experience with USMCA or preferential trade program documentation and qualification
- Strong Excel, data reconciliation, recordkeeping, analytical, and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines independently
- Excellent communication skills; ability to coordinate across Operations, Finance, Procurement, and external partners
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment and prioritize competing demands
- Licensed Customs Broker or Certified Customs Specialist credential
- Experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, structural steel/aluminum products, and assembly/fabrication operations
- Experience managing imports from Mexico and other major sourcing regions; knowledge of USMCA sourcing and documentation
- Experience with Chapter 99 provisions, Section 232/301 duty applications, post-entry corrections, and tariff protests
- Experience managing multiple brokers and evaluating broker performance
- Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, etc.) and customs management platforms
Preferred Qualifications
Benefits & Perks
GTI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees and their families while providing long-term career growth opportunities within a fast-growing manufacturing organization. Benefits may include:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (where applicable)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sick time in accordance with state and local requirements
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Career advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing organization
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, modular infrastructure, and large-scale industrial projects
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with strong operational and engineering leadership
• Employee-focused culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on position, location, and employment classification.