Trade Compliance Specialist

Trade Compliance Specialist

The Trade Compliance Specialist supports the Trade Compliance Manager by independently executing day-to-day trade compliance activities and ensuring compliance with applicable U.S., Canadian, and international trade regulations. This role serves as a key resource for import/export compliance, CTPAT administration, customs compliance, and international logistics coordination. The position analyzes compliance requirements, reviews transactions, resolves routine compliance issues, and exercises sound judgment within established policies and regulatory frameworks. Complex, novel, strategic, or high-risk matters are escalated to the Trade Compliance Manager as appropriate. Responsibilities include maintaining trade compliance documentation, reviewing import and export data, supporting audits and assessments, administering assigned aspects of the CTPAT program, coordinating with customs brokers and logistics providers, and partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and the efficient movement of goods. The role also supports Canadian customs compliance activities for the company's affiliated Canadian operations and contributes to the continuous improvement of trade compliance processes and controls.

This role is considered a HYBRID position with onsite work at our Distribution site in Lakeville, Minnesota.

What will you do?

• Prioritizes daily activities and aligns actions with departmental objectives and business strategy.
• Models GF values and behaviors while demonstrating peer leadership, collaboration, and influence across diverse stakeholder groups.
• In partnership with leadership, provides input on performance objectives aligned to functional and organizational goals.
• Execute import and export compliance activities, including documentation review, data validation, and filing preparation.
• Review, prepare, and generate trade documentation, including proforma invoices and Electronic Export Information (EEI) data.
• Investigate and resolve routine customs brokerage, transportation, and import/export compliance issues in the U.S. and Canada.
• Make day-to-day compliance determinations within established procedures and regulatory guidelines, escalating complex matters as needed.
• Maintain accurate trade compliance records, logs, and audit-ready documentation.
• Coordinate directly with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and logistics providers to facilitate compliant and efficient movement of goods.
• Conduct internal compliance reviews, audits, and risk assessments to identify potential gaps and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on trade compliance effectiveness, efficiency, and automation.
• Administer assigned aspects of the CTPAT program, including documentation maintenance, internal assessments, supply chain partner coordination, and security compliance activities.
• Perform trade compliance responsibilities for the company's Canadian sister organization and ensure compliance with applicable CBSA, CARM, and related Canadian requirements.
• Analyze compliance-related issues and recommend solutions to reduce risk and improve operational performance.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and communication of trade compliance policies, procedures, work instructions, and training materials.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders regarding routine import/export compliance requirements and company procedures.
• Partner with logistics, procurement, operations, finance, customer service, and other cross-functional teams to support compliance with international trade regulations.
• Promote awareness of trade compliance requirements and best practices throughout the organization.
• Conduct restricted party screening activities and review potential compliance concerns.
• Evaluate screening results and determine the appropriate disposition of routine transactions in accordance with established procedures.
• Review and code invoices for payment.
• Support special projects and additional compliance-related activities as assigned.
• Seek opportunities to improve processes, strengthen compliance controls, and contribute to business success through proactive involvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay informed of changes in trade regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices relevant to assigned responsibilities.

What will you need?

Required

• 5+ years' work experience in trade compliance, import/export operations, and international logistics.
• Working knowledge of U.S. customs regulations, including classification, valuation, country of origin, and documentation requirements.
• Familiarity with the CTPAT supply chain security program.
• Experience utilizing the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system.
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret trade compliance requirements, prioritize competing demands, and make sound operational decisions within established compliance frameworks.
• Ability to identify issues, recommend solutions, and escalate complex or high-risk matters appropriately.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global trade environment.
• Effective organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data management tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across functional teams.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, international trade, logistics, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of export operations to Mexico.
• Knowledge of U.S. export control regulations, including EAR, ECCN classifications, and ITAR.
• Experience supporting Canadian customs compliance requirements.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES), or other recognized trade compliance certification preferred.

What will you get?

• Best-in-class health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 160 hours paid time off (combination of PTO and Employee Safe and Sick Time accruals- MN Based Employees)