Customs Brokerage Manager

Hellmann•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Customs Brokerage Manager manages the product team for an assigned department and is responsible for governmental compliance, timely processing of customs clearances and security filings, working capital, quality outcomes, volume and revenue growth, yield, and operating efficiency. The role supports client satisfaction and adherence to company policies while maximizing profitability for Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. The position supervises customs brokerage staff and is accountable for compliant operations, employee training and certification, financial and quality controls, customer-specific operating procedures, customer escalations, vendor quality, budgeting and forecasting, staffing, employee development, and succession planning. It works with senior management, sales, account management, and other teams to procure competitive rates and services and to address business risks. The position includes overnight travel of 20–30%. Hellmann lists a base compensation range of USD 110,000 to USD 140,000, as well as health and welfare programs, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, tuition assistance opportunities, and incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Requirements

Active U.S. Customs Broker License (LCB) in good standing.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics and Supply Chain, Transportation, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience in lieu of the degree requirement.
High school diploma or GED.
Five to seven years of experience in a customs brokerage agent position.
At least two years of prior supervisory experience.
Proficiency in world geography, shipping documentation, and Incoterms.
Financial acumen and understanding of business drivers.
Results-oriented approach to strategy and execution.
Leadership and professionalism.
Customer focus.
Organizational skills, time management, and prioritization.
Adaptability and flexibility in a high-pressure environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as email and the internet.
Strong written and verbal English communication skills for professional interactions with customers, management, and subordinates.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as freight rates, discounts, and percentages.
Analytical and problem-solving ability.
Coaching skills to train, coach, and develop subordinates.
Ability to perform the stated physical duties, including standing, walking, sitting for extended periods, reaching, and using hands and fingers for computer and phone use.
Close-up and computer-screen-distance vision ability.
Ability to travel overnight 20–30%.

Responsibilities

Ensure customs and governmental processes and activities comply with global, country-specific, and port-specific regulations.
Keep current on brokerage compliance laws and regulations and develop programs to ensure personnel are properly trained and equipped to maintain compliance.
Attend training classes or conferences as needed to enhance skills and retain industry knowledge.
Directly or indirectly manage Customs Brokerage staff in the assigned department.
Meet product working-capital targets, including days payable outstanding and days sales outstanding targets.
Ensure timely and accurate costing, revenue estimates, rating, and invoicing to minimize work in progress, days sales outstanding, and bad debt.
Meet customer quality goals at minimal cost through effective procurement and routing.
Meet volume and product revenue growth targets and keep product yield within target ranges at customer and department levels.
Lead yield improvement processes for business that is below or above target levels.
Work with senior management, peers, tender management, and sales to measure, sell, and procure competitive market rates and services.
Ensure employees receive periodic training, certification, and recertification on product standard operating procedures and the Quality Management System.
Ensure financial and quality controls and audits are completed accurately and on time.
Hold the team accountable for developing clear, concise customer-specific operating procedures and certifications.
Consult Account Management and Sales before they agree to non-standard services or pricing.
Train and coach sales and Account Management personnel on market opportunities and threats, internal strengths and weaknesses, and ways to gain market share.
Manage customer escalations professionally in conjunction with Account Management or Sales.
Serve as a product subject matter expert when communicating with customers.
Lead or participate in corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of revenue or profit loss when business is at risk.
Manage product vendor quality and ensure business continuity if a vendor cannot perform.
Provide timely product and department analysis to internal and external stakeholders as agreed.
Ensure accurate and timely product budgeting and forecasting.
Conduct employee performance reviews and set goals to support employee development.
Monitor staffing levels and workload allocation across product teams, including talent acquisition, furloughing, repurposing, shifting, demotion, promotion, and severance.
Develop team members and individuals, and manage succession planning at agent, supervisor, and the manager’s own level.