Vice President of Customs Brokerage & Compliance

Job Description

Job Title: Vice President of Customs Brokerage & Compliance

Manager: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Canton, MI

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Customs Brokerage & Compliance will be responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and regulatory oversight of the Customs department for our WF Whelan Logistics business unit. The Vice President will ensure full compliance with global trade regulations while driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and profitable growth across brokerage services. This position will be based at our Canton, Michigan office and will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

· Develop and execute the overall customs brokerage and trade compliance strategy

· Align brokerage services with broader supply chain and commercial objectives

· Identify opportunities to expand value-added services (e.g., consulting, duty optimization, FTZs)

· Lead transformation initiatives (automation, digitization, AI in trade compliance)

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

· Ensure adherence to all applicable regulations (e.g., CBP, FDA, USDA, BIS, OFAC, global customs authorities)

· Oversee internal controls, audits, and compliance programs

· Act as the company’s senior authority on import/export compliance matters

· Manage risk related to penalties, audits, and enforcement actions

· Maintain and strengthen programs such as CTPAT, Import/Export compliance manuals, and SOPs

Operational Excellence

• Lead all brokerage operations, including:

- Entry processing

- Classification & valuation

- Duty calculation and drawback

- PGA (Participating Government Agency) filings

• Drive KPIs and SLAs for accuracy, timeliness, and productivity
• Improve margin performance and cost efficiency
• Oversee continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, automation)

Financial and P&L Accountability

· Own the brokerage P&L, including revenue growth and cost management

· Develop pricing strategies and margin optimization models

· Monitor financial performance, forecasting, and budgeting

· Identify and execute growth opportunities within existing and new accounts

Client & Commercial Engagement

· Partner with Sales and Account Management to:

 - Support large enterprise clients

- Win new business opportunities

 - Provide subject matter expertise in trade compliance

· Participate in executive-level client discussions

· Promote brokerage services as a strategic differentiator

Team Leadership & Talent Development

· Build, lead, and develop high-performing team

· Ensure strong bench strength in:

- Licensed Customs Brokers

- Trade compliance professionals

· Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement

· Lead organizational design and workforce planning

Technology & Systems Oversight

· Oversee brokerage systems (e.g., QuestaWeb, ACE, ERP integrations)

· Drive modernization of systems and workflows

· Ensure data accuracy, reporting capability, and compliance tracking

· Partner with IT on system upgrades and digital initiatives

Qualifications:

· Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB) required

· 10-15+ years of relevant work experience in customs brokerage, trade compliance, or global logistics

· 7-10+ years of management/leadership experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred

· Deep knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR), FTZ operations, Import/Export compliance

frameworks, Tariff classification, valuation, and trade programs

· Exceptional financial acumen and analytical skills with high degree of attention to detail

· Possesses strong written & verbal communications with all levels of leadership/management, and

organizational and interpersonal skills

· Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, highly-regulated environment

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a continuous improvement mindset

· Highly Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

· Proven ability to leverage team strengths and develop leaders to drive operational excellence and

compliance