Department Manager, Customs Brokerage

Job Title: Department Manager, Customs Brokerage

Location: Arlington Heights, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite / 2 Days Remote

Schedule: Monday–Friday

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation:

• $105,000–$120,000 annually
• Eligible for annual discretionary bonus

Travel: Up to 10% travel may be required

Position Overview

Wheeler Staffing Partners is seeking an experienced Department Manager, Customs Brokerage to oversee import and export customs brokerage operations for a growing logistics and transportation organization. This leadership role is responsible for managing customs compliance, overseeing brokerage operations, supporting client relationships, and ensuring accurate and timely customs clearance activities.

The ideal candidate will have strong customs brokerage leadership experience, deep knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, and hands-on experience managing import/export operations within a fast-paced logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily import and export customs brokerage operations
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations, tariff classifications, documentation requirements, and import/export restrictions
• Review and approve customs entries for accuracy, duty calculations, and regulatory compliance
• Manage ISF (Importer Security Filing) processes and resolve customs-related issues in a timely manner
• Serve as liaison with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding audits, inquiries, and operational matters
• Maintain current knowledge of customs regulations, international trade requirements, and trade agreements
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while supporting operational needs and customer satisfaction
• Manage departmental operations, resource allocation, staffing, and process improvements
• Monitor departmental KPIs, operational efficiency, and cost-saving initiatives
• Maintain compliance with CTPAT and other supply chain security requirements
• Develop and maintain SOPs, workflows, and operational procedures
• Support business development initiatives and client onboarding activities
• Train, mentor, and support brokerage team members on customs compliance and operational procedures
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, forwarding, compliance, and customer service teams

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for brokerage operations staff
• Manage performance, workflow prioritization, and employee development initiatives
• Support operational consistency across multiple office locations
• Foster a collaborative, compliance-focused, and customer-service-oriented team environment

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of management experience in customs brokerage or customs operations
• Extensive knowledge of customs clearance processes, import/export regulations, tariff classifications, and brokerage operations
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification required
• Experience using CargoWise required
• Strong understanding of ISF filings, customs documentation, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced logistics environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
• Active U.S. Customs Broker License preferred
• Candidates not currently licensed may be expected to pursue licensure as a condition of continued employment
• Previous experience within logistics, freight forwarding, transportation, or 3PL environments preferred

Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment with a combination of onsite and remote work
• Small office setting with collaborative team structure
• Multi-location operational oversight responsibilities

Why Work With Wheeler Staffing Partners?

Wheeler Staffing Partners connects talented professionals with leading organizations across logistics, transportation, supply chain, operations, and corporate services. We are committed to helping candidates find opportunities that support long-term career growth and professional success.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Wheeler Staffing Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.