Manager, Customs Compliance and Logistics Operatio...

 

This Corporate level position is responsible for all areas of Logistics Management and Customs Compliance for North America.  It is focused on two (2) aspects:  Logistics Management (60-80%) and Customs Compliance (20-40%).  This position will be responsible for implementing a complete Compliance Program within the first 3 – 6 months, with activities transitioning quickly to a broader logistics management role.

 

(Customs Compliance):

Customs Compliance is the initial focus of the role.  The candidate will have responsibility for all Import/Export customs and trade compliance programs related to North America (U.S., Canada and Mexico) and associated activity.  The scope of the responsibility includes the global movements of all inbound and outbound goods (raw materials, finished goods, capital equipment and samples), management of customs brokers, compliance and US government programs and development and implementation of internal operating systems and processes.  Import/Export activity is low and complexity is very minimal.

(Logistics Management):

In addition, responsibilities include broad support of Logistics Management operations, projects and initiatives in optimizing daily warehousing, transportation and distribution communication and activities to decrease costs, optimize material flow and improve customer service.  The position works within a team environment to provide effective communication, input and decisions from multiple other departments such as Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Finance and Quality.  This is a hands-on project management role (from project conception to implementation), with limited amounts of tactical execution (carrier track and trace, etc.), that requires the ability to work with details at all levels of the organization.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate operational excellence in all areas of Logistics Management.

This is not a dispatch or warehouse role, rather a Corporate Logistics Team position that proactively addresses issues and projects across the North American Enterprise.  It is a combined role with an initial focus on Customs Compliance with quick transition to the primary emphasis of Logistics Management (with Customs Compliance being an ongoing secondary role).     

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

(Customs Compliance = 20 - 40%) – Initial Focus for 4 – 8 months:

• Develop and communicate the compliance program for exports and imports.


• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures covering trade compliance in accordance with the compliance program.


• Function as Corporate spokesperson for North American Enterprise with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Industry and Security and other U.S., Canadian and Mexican Government agencies as they relate to customs and global trade issues.


• Work directly with the Enterprise Regulatory group to respond to all official government inquiries, supply chain security issues, requests for information and/or focused assessments of Enterprise business processes and controls.


• Continuously monitor government and industry developments (e.g. security, customs compliance, etc.) and maintain current information on all import and export regulations.  Modify business best practices and implement operational changes within Enterprise as appropriate


• Manage Enterprise (North America’s) C-TPAT program and implement best practices and training for complying with agreed trade to procedures


• Develop and deliver education and training programs for compliance issues.


• Ensure U.S., Canada and Mexico duty payments are correct and timely


• Ensure all operating systems, files and databases relevant to import/export activities are operating in compliance


• Manage 3rd Party providing trade compliance services


• Selecting and implementing systems to maintain compliance and improve efficiency

(Logistics Operations = 60 – 80%) – Primary Focus after initial 4 – 8 months

• Analyze current site level operations for operational improvements and cost savings.


• Define logistics projects and initiatives for execution. This includes scope, timing, resources, processes, procedures and documentation to complete the logistics projects.


• Coordinates activities of distribution centers and warehouses with needs and requirements of Supply Chain, Sales, Manufacturing and Customers Service to ensure proper execution of Customer Delivery.


• Provides creative leadership from knowledge of industry best practices and most current developments in logistics management.


• Participates in planning and policy development issues.


• Establishes operational procedures for verification of incoming and outgoing shipments, handling and disposition of merchandise, and maintaining warehouse inventory.


• Provides regular reporting to senior management on logistics issues.


• May oversee creation of procedures and communication material that document logistic practices.


• Participates in establishing short and long term logistics objectives consistent with organizational strategy.


• Act as a liaison between the logistics and other departments


• Assist in the design and implementation of international and domestic supply chain solutions


• Audit site operations for compliance to logistics and transportation “Best Methods” operations


• Assist in the facilitation of a global logistics team at both the Corporate and Business Unit/Region level to optimize and manage logistics initiatives


• Work directly with all levels of management and departments to identify, prioritize and execute improvements in logistics activities

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor’s degree in transportation, engineering, supply chain or related field.

EXPERIENCE: 

3 – 5+ years experience having International Trade compliance responsibility for an importer/exporter.  Preferably 6 - 10 years of transportation, distribution or warehousing experience.  Broad based knowledge and experience in transportation and logistics industry is required in a manufacturing and or distribution environment.  Food industry experience is desired, but is not required.  Previous experience in a 3PL and or Customer Broker environment is strongly preferred.

Skills: 

• Strong analytical, negotiating, problems solving and financial analysis skills are required


• Must be a strong negotiator with logistics providers in areas of cost, service levels and related contractual liabilities


• Must have solid previous knowledge and experience in creating logistics contracts and agreements


• A solid background is desired in transportation, warehousing and distribution operations.


• Must be proficient computer skills utilizing software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and basic Transportation software (PC Miler, etc.)


• Excellent small group and interpersonal communications skills are required.  Communications at ALL levels of the organization are required.


• Strong analytical and problem solving skills for determining and providing logistics support


• Strong organizational and time management skills


• Additional experience in inventory management is a plus


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously


• Ability to deal with change


• Complete understanding of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Regulations (19 CFR), including knowledge of Customs’ valuation and classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. and Canada


• Understand country of origin and marking issues, record keeping requirements and supply chain security regulations of the FDA and USDA as they relate to imports


• Experience working with the appropriate U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Food and Drug Administration and Department of Commerce


• Classification experience, including NAFTA proficiency


• Customs Brokerage license and SAP experience are a plus