Director, Customs Brokerage

Ascent•Springfield, MO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ascent Global Logistics, headquartered in Belleville, Michigan, is a leading global provider of expedited, time-critical logistics solutions and other direct transportation services. The company connects customers to its extensive carrier network, internal ground fleet and airline via its proprietary, digital PEAK freight marketplace, which provides robust carrier capacity and transparent pricing, backed by 24/7/365 logistics experts. Ascent’s offerings include air charter and ground expedited solutions as well as truckload, less-than-truckload, global forwarding, brokerage, and managed transportation services. The experienced Ascent team solves customers’ most challenging logistics needs by providing industry-leading service and top-tier satisfaction. The Director, Customs Brokerage oversees the performance, compliance, and daily execution of Ascent’s U.S. customs brokerage network, ensuring regulatory adherence, process discipline, and an exceptional customer experience

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
LCB Required; CCS / CES preferred
8–10 years of progressive experience in customs brokerage and international freight forwarding, including direct oversight of import and export operations.
Proven people leadership experience, including 3+ years managing customer- or carrier-facing teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Demonstrated expertise in U.S. and international trade compliance, including customs clearance processes, government agency requirements, and risk management.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using data to identify trends, drive process improvements, and resolve complex customs issues.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with customs authorities, carriers, vendors, and key customers, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
Proficiency with customs and trade compliance systems and common business tools (e.g., TMS, ERP, Microsoft Office), with a comfort level learning new technology.
Demonstrated capability to design, implement, and refine standard operating procedures to improve accuracy, cycle time, and compliance in brokerage operations.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex regulatory concepts for internal stakeholders and customers.

Nice To Haves

CCS / CES preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day execution, performance, and compliance of the company’s U.S. customs brokerage network.
Oversee bonded facilities, including Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), Container Freight Stations (CFS), and bonded warehouses.
Ensure operational consistency, regulatory adherence, and service excellence across multiple sites.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within customs brokerage and bonded operations.
Support and execute strategic initiatives set by executive leadership.
Serve as a key operational leader, translating strategy into actionable plans.
Strengthen process discipline across brokerage and bonded operations.
Ensure operations deliver accuracy, speed, and an exceptional customer experience.