Trade Compliance Specialist

Title: Trade Compliance Specialist

Location: Houston, TX

Who we are:

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 12,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to support and execute the U.S. trade compliance program, with a primary focus on import and export compliance activities. This role serves as a key individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for managing day-to-day compliance processes, partnering cross-functionally, and driving continuous improvement across trade compliance operations.

The position requires a self-directed professional capable of providing functional leadership without direct reports while collaborating across KAI business units and global Kuraray entities.

This is a hybrid role coming in a twice a week.

Responsibilities:

Trade Compliance Leadership

• Serve as the primary trade compliance resource for Kuraray America, providing guidance and support for import and export compliance activities across multiple business units.
• Lead the execution and continuous improvement of trade compliance processes, policies, and internal controls to ensure compliance with U.S. customs and export regulations.

Compliance Risk & Controls

• Protect the business by identifying compliance risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing corrective actions that strengthen operational controls.
• Monitor changes in global trade regulations and translate regulatory developments into practical business guidance and action plans.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Logistics, Procurement, Customer Service, and other stakeholders to embed trade compliance requirements into day-to-day business operations.
• Manage key relationships with customs brokers, government agencies, and external service providers to ensure efficient and compliant cross-border operations.

Cost & Process Optimization

• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency through programs such as duty savings initiatives, trade agreement utilization, process enhancements, and automation.

Training & Compliance Culture

• Influence and educate the organization by providing training, developing best practices, and fostering a culture of compliance and accountability across the enterprise.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in import, export, trade compliance, customs brokerage, logistics, or a related field; equivalent education, certifications, and experience will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations and compliance requirements, including customs, import/export controls, classification, and trade documentation.
• Experience working with customs brokers, government agencies, and trade compliance systems such as ACE.
• Demonstrated ability to assess risk, solve complex problems, and implement practical compliance solutions that support business objectives.
• Proven success building relationships and collaborating across functions, including Logistics, Procurement, Customer Service, Operations, and external business partners.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence decisions, provide training, and effectively communicate regulatory requirements to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive results in a dynamic business environment.
• Ability to travel 5% of the time
• Experience supporting trade programs such as Free Trade Agreements, Foreign Trade Zones, bonded warehousing, duty drawback, post-entry amendments, or duty optimization initiatives is preferred.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status