Trade Compliance Specialist - Sumitomo Biorational Company

Trade Compliance Specialist

Headquartered in Libertyville, Ill., Sumitomo Biorational Company is the Global Center of Excellence for Biorational Innovation, advancing integrated, science-driven solutions in agriculture, public health, forest health, and environmental markets. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Biorational operates through three divisions: AgroSolutions, Environmental Health (MGK), and Public Health & Forest Health, leveraging decades of expertise to drive innovation and sustainability for customers worldwide.

The Trade Compliance Specialist is responsible for supporting and maintaining the organization's global trade compliance program to ensure adherence to U.S. Customs regulations 19 CFR, import/export laws, and internal compliance policies. This role supports cross-functional trade operations by overseeing import/export documentation, tariff classification, customs compliance activities, broker management, and regulatory reporting. The position partners closely with logistics, procurement, finance, legal, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and operations teams to ensure compliant and efficient international trade transactions.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Support the administration and continuous improvement of the company's global trade compliance program in accordance with applicable U.S. Customs regulations, including 19 CFR requirements.
• Perform and support trade data management activities, including:
  • Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification
  • Country of Origin verification
  • EPA and Partner Government Agency (PGA) documentation requirements
  • Import/export record validation
• Ensure timely processing and reconciliation of Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments and review Periodic Monthly Statements (PMS) for accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with preparation and review of Letters of Credit, import documentation, export collection documentation, and customs-related financial transactions.
• Support trade compliance initiatives related to:
  • Duty Drawback programs
  • Free Trade Agreements (FTA)
  • Customs valuation and origin compliance
• Develop, maintain, and support Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:
  • Customs Brokers
  • Freight Forwarders
  • Import Operations
  • Export Operations
  • Domestic Shipping Processes
• Review shipping and customs documentation to ensure compliance with import/export regulations, including customs entry documentation, EPA filings, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate trade compliance records and documentation in accordance with 19 CFR Part 163, recordkeeping requirements reasonable care.
• Support internal compliance audits, broker reviews, and monitoring activities to ensure adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable, Logistics, and external service providers to resolve customs, billing, and compliance discrepancies.
• Assist in mapping and streamlining trade compliance processes to improve operational efficiency, standardization, and centralization of compliance activities due diligence.
• Monitor changes in international trade regulations and communicate compliance impacts to internal stakeholders while supporting updates to policies and procedures impacting trade.
• Coordinate and collaborate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to facilitate compliant customs clearance activities for imports and exports.
• Support denied party screening, sanctions compliance, and restricted party screening activities in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Prepare trade compliance metrics, reports, and KPI dashboards for management review.
• Support mapping out trade compliance automation initiatives, process improvements, and system enhancements to streamline areas of responsibility.
• Assist with compliance activities involving government agencies and trade programs, including:
  • CTPAT
  • APHIS
  • EPA
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Participate in trade compliance training initiatives and help promote compliance awareness throughout the organization due diligence and best practices

Experience:

• 6-9 years of experience in trade compliance, import/export operations, logistics, customs compliance, or supply chain operations.
• Experience working with international trade regulations and customs processes preferred.
• Experience with SAP, ACE Portal and CTPAT Portal is highly desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Working knowledge of U.S. import/export regulations, customs compliance requirements, and international trade operations.
• Familiarity with HTS classification, customs entry processes, valuation, and country of origin requirements.
• Understanding of export controls, sanctions regulations, and denied party screening processes preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP systems and trade compliance software preferred.
• Familiarity with workflow management tools such as Monday.com is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Education:

Associate or bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade, or a related field preferred.

Travel: 10%

What We Offer:

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That's why we're dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,500 to $114,400. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits:

• High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days
• Flexible work arrangements available

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future:

At Sumitomo Biorational Company, we're proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

Sumitomo Biorational Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.