Director, Customs, Global Trade

Leidos

16d

About The Position

Leidos has an opening for a Director, Customs, within the Global Trade function to lead centralized customs and import compliance activities. Reporting to the Vice President, Global Trade, this role is a core pillar of the Global Trade function and will provide strategic and pragmatic advice to enable compliant business execution across the enterprise. The Director will establish and maintain customs compliance procedures and training, oversee designated shipment activities, coordinate cross-functionally with key stakeholders, and lead initiatives to identify, mitigate, and manage customs and import-related risk. The successful candidate is proactive and solutions-oriented, with deep global trade and customs expertise, strong communication skills across all levels of the business, and a collaborative, team-first mindset.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
8+ years of progressive experience in customs and import compliance, including 4+ years in a leadership role
U.S. Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) in good standing
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
Demonstrated expertise in U.S. Customs regulations and import compliance
Proven ability to develop, implement, and sustain enterprise policies, procedures, and internal controls to manage compliance risk
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with experience identifying root causes, assessing risk, and driving corrective/preventive actions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present recommendations to senior leadership
Ability to operate strategically and hands-on, balancing governance with operational execution in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and deliver under time-sensitive conditions, with sound judgment and attention to detail
Proactive, business-partner mindset with a track record of driving practical, compliant solutions
Self-directed and accountable, capable of making independent decisions and managing competing priorities

Nice To Haves

Track record of managing complex global customs compliance activities in multiple regions
Experience with tool development and tool integration
5+ years of senior management experience
Experience in both commercial and defense activities

Responsibilities

Lead enterprise customs compliance strategy, policies, standards, and governance
Advise business leaders to reduce cost, cycle time, and compliance risk while enabling execution
Define and evolve the customs operating model, including roles, controls, and escalation paths
Serve as primary liaison with Customs and other regulators, as well as manage audits, inquiries, and corrective actions
Oversee entry/documentation accuracy and compliance (classification, origin, valuation, recordkeeping)
Translate regulatory changes into enterprise guidance, processes, and training
Govern external partners (brokers, forwarders, service providers), including performance and compliance management
Develop and deliver training to ensure awareness and adherence to policy
Establish KPIs and reporting to track performance, compliance health, and continuous improvement
Partner cross-functionally (Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, Treasury, Programs) to resolve issues and drive sustainable improvements
Lead/support audits and assessments, including risk reviews and remediation plans.
Provide technical guidance on trade data (HTS/Schedule B, origin, valuation) to support compliant execution
Operate with autonomy and accountability, independently managing the customs program and scaling people/processes as organizational needs evolve