Trade Compliance and Logistics Analyst

Trade Compliance and Logistics Analyst

Job Type: Full Time (Exempt)

Location: Hybrid

Reports to: VP of Global Supply Chain

Travel: 5 – 10%

Job Summary:

The Trade Compliance and Logistics Analyst is responsible for the compliant, cost-effective movement of goods into and out of the United States and Canada. The role owns customs classification, valuation review, and entry accuracy for the company as importer of record, and partners with brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers to move product on time and at competitive landed cost.

This position sits at the intersection of compliance and commercial performance: it protects the company from duty, penalty, and audit exposure while identifying and capturing savings in duty, freight, and brokerage spend. It works closely with Procurement, Finance, Quality, and Plant operations, and serves as the primary day-to-day contact for customs brokers and logistics providers.

Key Responsibilities

Classification, Origin, and Product Data

• Perform and document HTS classification for imported and exported goods, including written classification rationale for new and reclassified parts.
• Determine country of origin using substantial transformation analysis, and confirm compliance with marking requirements under 19 CFR Part 134.
• Maintain the HTS master database and assign, update, and audit HTS codes at the SKU level in Epicor; drive coverage toward 100% of active part numbers.
• Monitor tariff schedule revisions, CROSS rulings, and Federal Register notices, and update classifications proactively.
• Solicit, validate, and maintain USMCA certifications of origin, including blanket period tracking and supplier re-solicitation.

Customs Valuation and Entry Review

• Apply transaction value methodology correctly, including price actually paid or payable, assists, commissions, royalties, and post-importation price adjustments.
• Review CBP Form 7501 entry summaries and Canadian Commercial Accounting Declarations (CAD) pre- and post-filing for classification, valuation, origin, and quantity accuracy.
• Reconcile customs invoice values against PO and commercial invoice values, investigate variances, and escalate systemic discrepancies.
• Use ACE and broker portal reporting to audit entry data at volume and identify error trends by broker, supplier, and part.
• Review and validate commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and other entry documentation for completeness and accuracy.

Tariff Analysis, Duty Recovery, and Cost Projection

• Track and analyze tariff actions affecting the company's product lines, including Section 301, Section 232 and derivative provisions, IEEPA-based actions, and Canadian surtaxes.
• Maintain the duty rate database and model landed-cost impact of announced and proposed tariff changes for Finance, Procurement, and Sales.
• Prepare and support Post Summary Corrections, protests, refund claims, and duty recovery filings; evaluate duty drawback and other program opportunities.
• Identify and document tariff mitigation strategies, including first sale, origin engineering, Chapter 98 provisions, and sourcing alternatives, for review with Procurement and customs counsel.
• Monitor continuous customs bond sufficiency against rising duty exposure and initiate bond increases before insufficiency occurs.

Repair, Warranty, and Returns Compliance

• Manage compliance for goods exported and returned for repair, warranty replacement, or substitution.
• Apply Chapter 98 provisions (including 9801.00.10 and 9802) and applicable Canadian remission orders and returned-goods provisions.
• Prepare and retain documentation substantiating repair value, warranty status, and prior U.S. or Canadian origin.

Supplier Documentation and Material Substantiation

• Coordinate with buyers and suppliers to obtain, verify, and archive required trade documentation.
• Obtain and validate mill test reports and melt-and-pour certification for steel, and smelt-and-cast certification for aluminum (primary country of smelt, secondary country of smelt, and country of cast).
• Collect Certificates of Conformance and derivative content declarations needed to report Section 232 steel and aluminum content values accurately at entry.
• Ensure all certificates and declarations are archived and linked to the corresponding shipment and entry records.

Export Compliance

• Screen customers, suppliers, and intermediaries against denied and restricted party lists and OFAC sanctions programs prior to transacting.
• Determine export classification (ECCN or EAR99) and licensing requirements for outbound shipments; maintain supporting documentation.
• Ensure accurate Electronic Export Information filing and routed-transaction handling.

Logistics and Carrier Management

• Coordinate inbound and outbound shipments across plants, warehouses, and distribution centers, and resolve delays, discrepancies, and exceptions.
• Request, evaluate, and negotiate air and ocean freight quotes and manage tender events to select and award logistics partners.
• Manage domestic LCL and FCL providers through the TMS, monitoring performance against contractual service and rate terms.
• Oversee small package and courier carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL, Purolator), including rate negotiation, service agreements, and claims.
• Manage broker performance through documented standard operating procedures, brokerage instructions, powers of attorney, and periodic scorecard reviews.
• Track freight rate movements and provide forward-looking freight cost projections.

Cost Analysis and Finance Partnership

• Calculate landed cost for imported goods, including freight, duty, tariffs, brokerage, insurance, and handling.
• Calculate and maintain standard material burden rates to allocate landed cost accurately to SKUs, and report on burden variances with recommended adjustments.
• Support month-end close by providing freight, duty, and compliance cost data, accruals, reconciliations, and variance explanations.
• Identify, implement, and document cost savings initiatives across logistics and compliance operations, and report realized savings to leadership.

Internal Controls and Recordkeeping

• Maintain import and export records in accordance with 19 CFR Part 163 recordkeeping requirements, including the (a)(1)(A) list and the five-year retention period.
• Administer the CARM Client Portal, including RPP enrollment, financial security posting, and delegation of authority for Canadian imports.
• Support the company's reasonable care obligations by maintaining written procedures, conducting periodic self-audits, and escalating potential violations promptly to management and customs counsel.
• Prepare documentation packages supporting CBP and CBSA audits, verifications, requests for information, and regulatory inquiries.
• Assist with internal compliance reviews and any resulting corrective or disclosure filings, under the direction of management and counsel.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, Finance, or a related field; equivalent experience considered in lieu of a degree.
• Four to seven years of progressive experience in trade compliance, customs brokerage, or international logistics for a manufacturer or importer of record.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with U.S. CBP and Canadian CBSA import requirements, including HTS classification, customs valuation, entry summary review, and free trade agreement qualification.
• Working knowledge of current tariff programs and the ability to translate regulatory change into quantified cost impact.
• Experience managing freight forwarders, customs brokers, and parcel carriers, including rate negotiation.
• Strong quantitative skills, including advanced Excel; ability to build and defend landed cost and burden calculations.
• Experience with an ERP system and the ability to maintain trade-related master data accurately at scale.
• Clear written communication, with the discipline to document classification and valuation decisions for audit purposes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB), NCBFAA Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or Certified Export Specialist (CES), CITP, or APICS certification.
• Direct experience maintaining HTS data in Epicor, and familiarity with SAP or comparable ERP environments.
• Experience with ACE reporting, a Transportation Management System, and the CARM Client Portal.
• Experience with Section 232 steel and aluminum derivative reporting and supplier certification programs.
• Experience with duty drawback, foreign trade zones, or bonded warehouse operations.
• Exposure to post-entry remediation, prior disclosures, or customs audit response.
• Working proficiency in a second language relevant to the company's supplier base.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• This role is based in an office setting and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.