Director of Customs Compliance - On-Site Houston

Location: Houston, TX (On-site) Reports to: General Manager Supervises: Customs Brokerage Team Status: Full-time Role Summary The Director of Customs Compliance (Licensed Customs Broker) leads the company's customs brokerage function and ensures all import activities meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. This role provides senior-level expertise, oversees entry accuracy and timeliness, and maintains strong internal processes and controls. You will work closely with the General Manager to maintain a compliant, efficient, and well-structured operation while serving as the primary licensed authority for customs matters. This is not a purely strategic role—you will also share responsibility for customs-related operational coordination to ensure smooth shipment flow and strong customer support. Key Responsibilities Customs Compliance Leadership Serve as the company's Licensed Customs Broker, reviewing and signing entries as required Oversee all brokerage activities to ensure full CBP compliance Review documentation, classifications, valuations, and PGA requirements Monitor regulatory changes and communicate updates internally and to clients Resolve escalated customs issues, discrepancies, and compliance concerns Support internal audits, post-entry processes, and corrective actions Brokerage Team Leadership Supervise, mentor, and develop the customs brokerage team Provide guidance and training on classification, valuation, and regulatory requirements Ensure adherence to SOPs, workflows, and quality standards Support onboarding and training of new team members Operational Support (Compliance-Focused) Manage import/export shipments from pre-alert through customs clearance and release Review shipping documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading) Coordinate clearance activities and resolve documentation issues or holds Communicate daily with clients, carriers, warehouses, and overseas agents Support operations with customs-specific inquiries for active shipments or new prospects Process & Continuous Improvement Collaborate with the General Manager to develop, implement, and enforce SOPs Improve compliance accuracy, operational efficiency, and team capability Participate in special projects related to regulatory changes or process optimization Industry Engagement Attend monthly HCBFFA board meetings and luncheons as the company's primary compliance representative Maintain professional development and industry awareness Required Active U.S. Customs Broker License Extensive experience in customs brokerage and compliance Strong knowledge of CBP regulations, HTS classification, valuation, PGA requirements, and entry processes Proven leadership or supervisory experience Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Fully on-site in Houston Preferred Experience in logistics, freight forwarding, or related operations Familiarity with ACE, ABI software, and related systems (Magaya preferred) Experience developing or improving SOPs and compliance programs Why work here? Immediate impact – No bureaucracy. Your work will stabilize our department from day one. Stability – A well-established, privately held logistics firm with decades of experience and low turnover. Flat culture – Accessible leadership that values operational expertise, not just titles. Houston focus, global reach – Deep local port/airport ties and international trade lanes (Latin America, Europe, Asia). Growth potential – Help shape processes and mentor others as we expand. Competitive pay & benefits –100,000–135,000+, health, dental, vision, 401(k) match, PTO. Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) Retirement Plan (401k, IRA) Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) Training & Development #J-18808-Ljbffr