Global Trade Compliance & Import/Export Specialist

Protolabs•Maple Plain, MN

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a fixed HYBRID role - onsite Tuesday-Thursday in Maple Plain, MN. The Global Trade Compliance & Import/Export Specialist serves as the organization's subject matter expert for global international trade compliance, customs regulations, and global import/export operations. This position is responsible for ensuring that global cross-border transactions are conducted in compliance with all applicable import, export, customs, sanctions, and trade regulations while supporting efficient and cost-effective logistics operations. The role partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Legal, Network Operations, and external logistics providers to establish compliant trade practices, mitigate regulatory risk, and support business growth through effective international trade management.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Business Administration, Logistics, Finance, Law, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in international trade compliance, import/export operations, customs compliance, logistics, or related disciplines.
Demonstrated experience managing complex international trade and customs matters.
Experience working with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and regulatory agencies in the US and EU
Advanced knowledge of international trade compliance, customs regulations, tariff classification, and global import/export operations.
Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements, assess compliance risk, and implement effective controls and business solutions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and continuous improvement skills.
Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and effectively communicate technical regulatory concepts to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to manage highly complex work independently while exercising sound business judgment.
Proficiency with trade compliance systems, ERP applications, and Microsoft Office tools.
Due to ITAR regulations, this role is only open to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or foreign nationals granted refugee or asylee status. Individuals with temporary visas (e.g. E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, TN or OPT) are not eligible for hire in this role.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Business, or related field.
Professional certification in customs, trade compliance, logistics, or supply chain management.
Experience supporting multi-country manufacturing or global operations environments.
Experience implementing trade compliance technology, automation, or process improvement initiatives.
Experience supporting customs audits and regulatory reviews.

Responsibilities

Serve as the company's subject matter expert for import/export compliance, customs regulations, export controls, and international trade requirements.
Lead and maintain the organization's global trade compliance program, ensuring adherence to applicable import, export, sanctions, and customs regulations.
Interpret complex regulatory requirements and provide guidance to business leaders regarding trade compliance risks, obligations, and business impacts.
Determine and maintain tariff classifications, country-of-origin determinations, customs valuation methodologies, and related trade compliance documentation.
Review, approve, and oversee import and export documentation including commercial invoices, certificates of origin, customs declarations, AES filings, and other required regulatory submissions.
Monitor changes in global trade regulations, tariff schedules, sanctions programs, free trade agreements, and customs requirements; assess impacts and implement necessary process or policy changes.
Develop, implement, and maintain trade compliance policies, procedures, controls, and record-retention practices to support regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
Identify, assess, and mitigate trade compliance risks associated with customers, suppliers, products, countries, transportation routes, and international business transactions.
Lead investigations and corrective actions related to customs issues, shipment holds, regulatory inquiries, restricted-party concerns, and potential compliance violations.
Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement, Finance, Legal, Customer Service, and Logistics teams to ensure compliant and efficient international movement of goods.
Coordinate activities with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, government agencies, and other external partners to facilitate customs clearance and resolve trade-related issues.
Support business expansion initiatives by evaluating the import/export compliance implications of new products, suppliers, manufacturing locations, customers, and international markets.
Analyze trade activity, transportation costs, duties, tariffs, and customs performance metrics to identify opportunities for risk reduction, process improvement, and cost optimization.
Lead or support internal and external compliance audits and serve as the primary point of contact for trade compliance reviews, assessments, and regulatory examinations.
Develop and deliver trade compliance training and awareness programs to ensure employees understand applicable regulations, company policies, and compliance responsibilities.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship regarding trade compliance practices, customs processes, and import/export requirements across the organization.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance trade compliance effectiveness, operational efficiency, data integrity, and customer service performance.