Customs Trade Compliance and Operations Manager

Panasonic•Mississauga, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Panasonic Canada Inc. is seeking a Customs Trade Compliance and Operations Manager to serve as the subject matter expert for all customs operations and compliance governance across Panasonic's business divisions. This role is responsible for managing import and export compliance for resident and non-resident importer programs with United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The position ensures adherence to trusted trade and regulatory programs, including Trusted Trader Programs (such as Customs Self Assessment and Partners in Protection), G7 reporting, and Partner Government Agency requirements. The manager will oversee all non-resident importer accounts for shipments into the United States, monitor regulatory changes, and implement process updates to maintain full compliance. This role involves close collaboration with internal teams for accurate customs documentation, selection and management of customs brokers, consultants, and service providers, and liaison with suppliers, legal counsel, and customs authorities. This is a full-time, hybrid position based out of the Mississauga office at Ambler Drive. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Requirements

Two-year Community College diploma, with 7 years related experience, or acceptable equivalent.
Management experience required.
Certified Customs Specialist designation and Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) required.
Canadian CCS and CTCS with CSCB.
US CCS with NCBFAA.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
Proficient in the use of Descartes Visual Compliance (VC) software required for import and export.
CARM, PIP and ACE Portal experience.
SAP experience required.
Predominantly routine problem solving with some significant elements.
Significant problem solving is required to ensure customs compliance and selecting freight carriers.
Must establish and maintain relationships with various government offices, overseas trade compliance teams, factories, industry contacts and PCI staff.
Influences management to adapt procedures to ensure compliance with CBSA and US CBP regulations.

Nice To Haves

CITT, CITP, CIFFA programs are an asset.

Responsibilities

Ensure all import and export reporting, customs entries, and claims are submitted accurately and within regulatory timelines.
Maintain full compliance with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requirements, including activity within the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Portal.
Ensure correct documentation, free trade agreement certificates, and application of the most favourable duty rates.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Stay current on import and export regulations and freight market conditions, and keep senior management informed of risks, changes, and issues.
Prepare and distribute compliance communications as required.
Manage regulatory compliance for controlled materials, including Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) requirements and hazardous goods regulations.
Identify and assess new materials for customs classification and reporting.
Maintain all non-resident importer processes with United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP), including management of the Automated Commercial Environment and Automated Clearing House (ACE/ACH) portals.
Negotiate broker agreements, ensure customs master data integrity, and confirm accurate import and export documentation in compliance with US CBP and Partner Government Agency and Other Government Agency regulations.
Support the Customs Supervisor with tariff classification activities.
Monitor regulatory and tariff classification changes issued by the CBSA and ensure systems and processes are updated to remain compliant.
Respond to internal customs-related inquiries from marketing, transportation, and international teams.
Act as the primary contact with CBSA officials and coordinate responses to CBSA audits.
Support internal audits, external auditors, and legal counsel by providing documentation and compliance information.
Identify duty recovery and compliance improvement opportunities.
Ensure compliance with the Customs Act and Customs Tariff Act by applying CBSA D-Memorandum guidance and maintaining Trusted Trader Program status.
Review internal systems, initiate required updates, and lead testing to meet regulatory and business requirements.
Maintain Descartes Visual Compliance software functionality and manage vendor contracts.
Determine when to request national customs rulings or advance rulings and submit applications to the CBSA.
Research customs decisions and appeals, assess business impact, and escalate issues as required.
Implement approved controls and policy changes to reduce financial risk under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System.
Take prompt corrective action upon receipt of a Notice of Penalty Assessment.
Ensure customs valuation compliance, including assessment of royalties and licence fees.
Determine whether additional duties or taxes apply and manage adjustments, ruling requests, or voluntary disclosures as required.
Ensure awareness and adherence to CBSA and Partner Government Agency requirements.
Oversee the maintenance and retention of customs documentation to meet CBSA audit and internal audit requirements.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
Review monthly customs reports and ensure timely submission to finance and management.
Evaluate scrap and obsolete inventory for duty drawback or duty relief opportunities and take appropriate action.
Lead and manage customs staff by supporting hiring, performance management, development, and retention.
Provide coaching, training, and cross-training while ensuring alignment with corporate employment objectives.
Manage export compliance processes and procedures, ensuring all export activities meet regulatory requirements.
Participate in original design manufacturer (ODM) vendor contract reviews, providing logistics and customs compliance input.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage with a Health Spending Account
Panasonic Retirement Pension Plan (RPP/DCPP)
Group Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
Pregnancy Leave Top Up
Education Assistance Program/ Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Purchase Program
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Competitive Rates on Home and Auto Insurance
Employee Volunteer Program – Paid Time Off for Volunteer Days
Onsite Events!