Trade Compliance Specialist

Trade Compliance SpecialistThe Trade Compliance Specialist supports the import and trade compliance program by ensuring accurate product classification, country of origin determinations, and proper application of tariffs and trade agreements. This role collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, Customs Brokers, and Trade Compliance leadership to support compliant customs declarations, USMCA qualification analysis, and maintenance of robust trade compliance records. The Specialist reviews data, validates documentation, and escalates complex or high-risk matters to sr. trade compliance staff when needed.ResponsibilitiesPerform Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification reviews for products and determine accurate country of origin.Conduct steel and anti-dumping/countervailing duty (ADD/CVD) reviews and maintain related databases and supporting documentation.Obtain and analyze product specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), manufacturing details, and supplier certifications to support classification, origin, and trade agreement determinations.Communicate directly with suppliers to gather information required for classification, country of origin, USMCA qualification, and other trade compliance requirements.Review customs entry data to validate accuracy and support post-entry audit activities and corrections as needed.Maintain trade compliance records, databases, and reporting in alignment with regulatory and internal recordkeeping requirements.Support audit readiness by organizing documentation, responding to information requests, and tracking corrective actions.Research trade compliance issues, including classification, valuation, origin, and trade remedies, and provide clear recommendations to Trade Compliance leadership.Escalate complex or high-risk classification, valuation, origin, tariff, or trade remedy issues to the Trade Compliance Analyst or Trade Compliance leadership.Add new SKUs to the ERP system and classify any new SKU requests, including assigning HTS codes and country of origin.Check for tariff derivatives and identify potential opportunities for tariff mitigation where appropriate.Manage incoming ocean and air shipments from a trade compliance perspective, ensuring required import documentation is accurate and complete.Collaborate with logistics, product management, and other internal teams to support timely and compliant import operations.Essential SkillsAt least 2 years of experience in trade compliance, customs operations, import/export compliance, logistics, or a closely related field.Demonstrated experience with trade compliance activities such as HTS classification, country of origin determinations, and import documentation review.Working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, including HTS classification, country of origin rules, tariffs, valuation, and recordkeeping requirements.Hands-on experience with import compliance and customs compliance processes and procedures.Ability to work within ERP systems to manage SKU data, classifications, and related trade compliance information.Strong attention to detail with effective documentation, recordkeeping, and organizational skills.Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including sorting, filtering, lookups, and basic data reconciliation.Ability to research and interpret customs law, tariff schedules, and trade remedy requirements using tariff databases and other resources.Clear written and verbal communication skills to interact with suppliers, Customs Brokers, and internal stakeholders.Additional Skills & QualificationsProfessional trade compliance certifications such as CCS, CES, or equivalent trade compliance training are preferred.Experience working with QAD and/or SAP is preferred, though experience with other ERP/MRP systems is also valuable.Logistics, import operations, or export processes that support end-to-end understanding of trade flows.Familiarity with import documentation requirements and customs law as they relate to steel, ADD/CVD, and trade agreements.Ability to identify potential tariff mitigation opportunities while maintaining strict compliance with regulations.Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret technical product information such as BOMs and manufacturing processes.Work EnvironmentThis is a contract role expected to last at least 4 months, with a realistic duration of about 6 months and potential to transition to a direct hire for the right person. The position follows a hybrid schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with on-site work typically required Tuesday through Thursday and work-from-home on Monday and Friday, with some flexibility for strong candidates. The role is based in a major corporate and product management hub that supports residential lock and smart home security brands, operating primarily as a corporate office rather than a manufacturing facility. The team is currently short-staffed and experiencing a high volume of work, so the environment is fast-paced and offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact by helping stabilize and improve trade compliance operations.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Lake Forest, CA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $47.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)