Director, Customs Operations & Compliance

Job Description

About Williams-Sonoma DC - Memphis, TN

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Since it was founded in 1956, Williams - Sonoma has grown from Chuck Williams’ single store in Sonoma, CA into one of the largest retailers in the country, with some best known and most beloved brands in home furnishings, including Williams – Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm.

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Our Distribution Centers serve as vital connections between factories and our retail, online and mail-order customers around the world. The Supply Chain environment is dynamic and fast-paced, and the network is expanding rapidly. If you have a background in distribution, manufacturing, engineering, transportation, finance, human resources, or home delivery – and are looking for a job with a strong opportunity for gaining new skills and for advancement – our Supply Chain Organization could be just the place for you.

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Williams-Sonoma, Inc Supply Chain Overview

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By managing resources responsibly, caring for our people, and uniting around our values, we lead our industry and are proud to be recognized for our continuous action and progress in the following areas: Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies; Forbes Best Employers for Women and Diversity; Newsweek America's Most Responsible Companies; and USA Today Customer Service Champions. These honors reflect that we are truly a people-first organization.

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• Over 4,000 Full-Time Associates across the Supply Chain
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• 14.5M square feet of small parcel, personalization, furniture, and manufacturing space in the domestic US, Williams-Sonoma has developed an agile and capable distribution network consisting of the following:
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• Large package / furniture distribution centers located in Southern California, Northern California, Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey totaling 9.2M square feet plus another 1.2M square feet of standalone final-mile furniture hubs.
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• Small package eCommerce distribution centers located in Mississippi and Arizona totaling 3.2M square feet, consisting of over 1,000 full-time associates and 1,500 seasonal/temporary associates in Mississippi
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• Sutter Street Manufacturing upholstery factories located in North Carolina and Mississippi totaling with over 1,400 full-time employees producing approximately $900 million to $1 billion in sales of upholstered furniture
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• Transportation Department for Ocean, Air, Trucking, and Rail consisting of over 30 transportation professionals located in Memphis, TN
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• 700 associates in our Sourcing offices in 10 countries in Asia and Europe including China, Vietnam, Singapore, India, Italy, and Turkey
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The Director, Customs Operations & Compliance position is located in Memphis, TN.

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The Director, Customs Operations & Compliance is responsible for leading the organization’s customs operations, trade compliance programs, and transportation activities that support a complex global supply chain. This role serves as the primary operational leader for customs execution, regulatory compliance, issue resolution, customer support, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring the accurate and timely clearance of imported goods across all transportation modes.

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The Director will develop and execute strategies that drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and organizational growth. This leader will partner across Supply Chain, Transportation, Sourcing, Merchandising, Finance, Legal, Product Development, and Operations teams to mitigate risk, optimize landed costs, leverage technology, and navigate an evolving global trade environment.

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The successful candidate is an experienced customs and trade compliance leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong business acumen, operational leadership, and a passion for developing people and driving innovation.

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You'll be excited about this opportunity because you will....

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Lead Customs Operations & Compliance

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• Provide leadership and oversight for customs operations, import clearance activities, and trade compliance programs.
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• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational questions, compliance issues, and customer concerns.
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• Ensure timely and compliant execution of U.S. Customs import entries across all transportation modes.
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• Maintain regulatory requirements associated with Powers of Attorney, Customs bonds, recordkeeping obligations, and compliance documentation.
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• Establish and maintain standardized operating procedures and best practices across the organization.
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• Monitor and communicate regulatory developments from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), Federal Register Notices, Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages, and other governmental sources.
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Drive Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

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• Ensure compliance with all applicable import, export, customs, trade, and transportation regulations.
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• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance programs, governance structures, and internal control frameworks designed to demonstrate reasonable care and mitigate regulatory risk.
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• Lead internal audit activities, post-entry reviews, corrective action plans, and compliance assessments.
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• Manage Customs audits, focused assessments, regulatory examinations, and government inquiries.
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• Oversee classification, valuation, country of origin, free trade agreement qualification, and other customs compliance requirements.
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• Maintain expertise in changing regulations and implement policies and procedures necessary to support business growth and global expansion.
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Partner with the Business

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• Collaborate cross-functionally with Transportation, Sourcing, Merchandising, Inventory Management, Finance, Legal, Product Development, and Operations teams.
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• Assess the impact of changing tariffs, trade regulations, sanctions, and geopolitical developments on business operations.
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• Provide strategic guidance regarding duty mitigation opportunities, supply chain risk management, and landed cost optimization.
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• Communicate trade and compliance developments that may impact customers, suppliers, sourcing decisions, or operating costs.
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• Support business initiatives by developing compliant and cost-effective trade solutions.
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Lead Technology & Process Transformation

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• Champion the use of technology, automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to improve compliance performance and operational efficiency.
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• Evaluate, implement, and optimize Global Trade Management (GTM), customs brokerage, transportation, and compliance technologies.
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• Develop compliance dashboards, KPI reporting, and performance metrics to improve visibility and decision-making.
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• Drive process automation initiatives that enhance productivity, improve classification accuracy, strengthen controls, and reduce manual effort.
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• Establish scalable workflows and digital solutions that support business growth while maintaining strong compliance standards.
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Build High-Performing Teams

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• Recruit, lead, coach, and develop Customs and Transportation professionals.
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• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
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• Develop succession plans and create opportunities for cross-functional growth and professional development.
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• Promote operational discipline, compliance awareness, and employee engagement throughout the organization.
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Check out some of the required qualifications we are looking for in amazing candidates….

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• Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Engineering, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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• At least 10 years of progressive experience in customs operations, customs brokerage, international trade compliance, or related disciplines.
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• At least 8 years of leadership experience managing teams within Customs Brokerage, Trade Compliance, International Transportation, or Supply Chain organizations.
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• Active U.S. Customs Broker License required.
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• Expert knowledge of:
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• Tariff classification
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• Customs valuation
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• Country of origin determination
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• Duty drawback and duty optimization programs
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• Free Trade Agreements and special trade programs
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• Import and export regulations
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• Export controls and sanctions compliance
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• Deemed exports and denied-party screening requirements
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• Experience managing Customs audits, focused assessments, and compliance reviews.
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• Demonstrated success building compliance programs, governance structures, and risk mitigation processes.
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• Experience in tariff classification across a broad range of commodities, including textiles and consumer products.
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• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities.
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• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail.
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• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
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We prefer some of these qualities as well….

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• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or advanced degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
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• Experience implementing or managing Global Trade Management (GTM), Customs Brokerage, Transportation Management, or Trade Compliance platforms.
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• Demonstrated success leveraging technology, automation, AI, and data analytics to streamline customs operations and improve compliance outcomes.
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• Experience creating compliance dashboards, workflow automation solutions, and KPI-driven management systems.
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• Strong background in audit readiness, compliance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
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• Experience evaluating tariff exposure, duty mitigation opportunities, landed-cost optimization, and supply chain risk management strategies.
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• Knowledge of international transportation and global sourcing operations.
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• Experience partnering with executive leadership on trade strategy and regulatory risk management.
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• Background in Retail, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Customs Brokerage, or Trade Compliance environments.
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Leadership Competencies

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The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

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• Strategic thinking and sound business judgment.
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• Deep expertise in customs operations and global trade compliance.
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• Strong understanding of the financial and operational impacts of tariffs and regulatory changes.
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• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.
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• Proven success leading organizational change and technology transformation initiatives.
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• Commitment to developing talent and building high-performing teams.
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• Exceptional collaboration skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
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• Customer-focused leadership with a passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.
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Our company benefits are second to none in the industry….

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• Generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brand products
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• 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
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• Paid vacations, Employee Assistance Programs, Time Off to Volunteer, Matching Gifts Community Service Program, and Holidays (in some locations)
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• Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits, Legal and Identity Protection Plans and Pet Insurance
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• For more information on our benefits offerings, please visit MyWSIBenefits.com
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• To learn more about our Supply Chain culture and regional associate events, please visit: (Login credentials may be required)
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EOE