Compliance Operations Manager - Customs Brokerage

Compliance Operations Manager – Customs Brokerage Location: Arlington Heights, IL Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 Days In Office / 2 Days Remote) Schedule: Monday – Friday | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Work Week: 35 Hours Compensation: $85,000 – $100,000 annually Position Overview Wheeler Staffing Partners is seeking an experienced Compliance Operations Manager – Customs Brokerage for a direct hire opportunity in Arlington Heights, IL. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing customs brokerage operations, import compliance processes, customs documentation, and team management within a fast‑paced international logistics environment. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, import operations, PGA requirements, customs entry processing, and client relationship management. Candidates with prior leadership experience within customs brokerage or international trade operations are strongly encouraged to apply. Key Responsibilities Customs Compliance & Brokerage Operations Ensure all import shipments comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and applicable Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements Oversee customs entry preparation, customs documentation review, and timely electronic submission of import entries Assist clients with HTS classification guidance and import compliance support Manage customs holds, exams, protests, PSCs, and other customs‑related escalations Conduct customs entry audits and implement corrective actions when necessary Maintain knowledge of evolving customs regulations, tariffs, and import compliance requirements Ensure accurate record retention and compliance documentation procedures Leadership & Team Management Lead and manage a customs brokerage operations team responsible for import processing and customs documentation Monitor team productivity, accuracy, service levels, and compliance performance Conduct employee coaching, performance reviews, goal setting, and staff development initiatives Approve PTO requests and bi‑weekly timesheets for direct reports Participate in interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training activities Support cross‑training initiatives across operational teams to improve coverage and workflow efficiency Client Communication & Operational Support Communicate with clients regarding tariff updates, regulatory changes, customs requirements, and shipment status updates Ensure timely duty payments and review customs statements to avoid penalties and delays Review and approve customs‑related payments through approved payment systems Provide customers with ACH duty withdrawal notifications and customs billing statements Support billing operations and coordinate with accounting teams to resolve discrepancies Process Improvement & Compliance Initiatives Identify workflow improvement opportunities and operational efficiencies within customs processes Develop and maintain SOPs, client profiles, and compliance documentation procedures Lead ongoing customs compliance training and professional development initiatives for staff Support departmental reporting, operational planning, and compliance projects Required Qualifications Education High School Diploma or GED required Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Logistics, or related field preferred Experience 5–7+ years of experience in customs brokerage, import compliance, freight forwarding, or international logistics 2–3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, import documentation, and PGA requirements Experience using CargoWise or similar customs brokerage software Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Preferred Qualifications U.S. Customs Broker License preferred Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification preferred Experience managing customs brokerage teams and import operations workflows Required Skills Strong leadership and team development abilities Excellent communication and client relationship management skills Strong organizational and time‑management capabilities Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills Customer‑focused mindset with operational leadership experience Travel Occasional travel may be required #J-18808-Ljbffr