Trade Compliance Specialist

Title: Trade Compliance Specialist Location: Houston, TX 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 Execute and support the KAI Trade Compliance program in alignment with U.S. regulatory requirements (e.g., CBP, EAR) Manage daily import and export compliance activities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness Monitor regulatory updates and proactively communicate impacts to key stakeholders Develop, maintain, and enhance trade compliance procedures, SOPs, and internal controls Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to global risk compliance and enforcement Maintain accurate and complete trade compliance records Oversee product classification activities, including HTS and Schedule B codes Ensure timely ISF filings and post‑entry corrections in accordance with company processes Support Free Trade Agreements (FTA), supplier certifications, and duty drawback programs Ensure compliance with FTZ and bonded warehouse requirements (as applicable) Coordinate with customs brokers (CHBs) to ensure service quality and regulatory adherence Monitor broker performance, support KPI tracking, and contribute to performance reviews Partner with Logistics, Procurement, and Customer Service to ensure compliance across business processes Support Procurement in compliance aspects of contracts and supplier engagement Perform internal audits and risk assessments to identify gaps and drive corrective actions Respond to government inquiries and support mitigation and resolution efforts Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders through daily interactions, formal materials, and presentations Develop best practices and identify efficiency opportunities across trade compliance processes Serve as Trade Account Owner (TAO) for ACE account access and oversight Support administration of the PMS program Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, or a related field Minimum 5+ years of experience in import/export compliance Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations (CBP, EAR), including: Duty rates and tariff classification Import/export documentation requirements Pre‑shipment inspection requirements Experience working with customs brokers and government systems, including ACE Ability to work independently with minimal supervision Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities Demonstrated ability to influence and provide guidance without direct authority Ability to travel 5% of the time Valid driver's license required. 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. Benefits 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. Employment Eligibility Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. Learn More kuraray.us.com/careers/ No third‑party candidates accepted. Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status #J-18808-Ljbffr