Import Compliance Manager

Fervo Energy Company•Houston, TX

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

Fervo is building cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants, requiring operational excellence in global supply chain and compliance. As Fervo expands, ensuring seamless, compliant movement of critical equipment internationally is crucial for project timelines, cost discipline, and regulatory integrity. The Supply Chain team builds and operates the compliance infrastructure for this fast-growing clean energy company. This role is for a seasoned import compliance professional with deep expertise in U.S. customs regulations, who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments, and is motivated to design and implement scalable processes for accuracy, accountability, and risk mitigation across Fervo’s global operations. The Import Compliance Manager will lead all aspects of import customs compliance for Fervo Energy’s inbound equipment shipments, requiring deep knowledge of U.S. import regulations, tariff classifications, and customs documentation. The ideal candidate will be a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, capable of implementing a robust import compliance program across all business units and vendors supporting Fervo’s current and future geothermal projects. Fervo Energy provides 24/7 carbon-free energy through next-generation geothermal power, aiming to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by making geothermal cost-competitive using advanced computational models, horizontal drilling, and distributed fiber optic sensing. Fervo has an industry-leading development pipeline and is backed by leading investment firms. Fervo’s culture is fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative, focusing on building things that last, constant innovation, and reliability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Trade Compliance, or related field.
8–12 years of experience in U.S. import compliance or customs operations within a multinational or energy/infrastructure environment.
Active U.S. Customs Broker License (required).
Extensive knowledge of CBP regulations, HTS classification, customs valuation, and trade programs (FTA, 9801/9802, etc.).
Knowledge of IEEPA and emergency tariff programs
Proven experience developing and implementing import compliance frameworks at the corporate level.
Strong analytical and documentation review skills.
Proficiency with ERP and import management systems (SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Descartes, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Experience with large-scale capital projects, EPC, or energy-sector logistics.
Familiarity with international Incoterms and vendor contracting as they relate to import compliance.
Experience working with outside trade counsel and multiple customs brokers.

Responsibilities

Oversee all import customs activities for Fervo Energy, ensuring full compliance with U.S. CBP regulations, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), and applicable duties and tariffs.
Assign and validate HTS codes for all imported equipment, components, and materials.
Track and analyze duty rates, including Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA-based tariffs, and other emergency trade measures.
Maintain awareness of IEEPA actions and assess applicability to supply chain.
Review and approve customs entry documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness for CBP filings.
Assess the true market value of declared commercial invoices against supplier equipment contracts to ensure accurate valuation and full compliance with CBP import valuation methodology.
Lead internal audits and coordinate responses to CF28/CF29 requests and post-summary corrections.
Develop, implement, and maintain a corporate import compliance program, including SOPs, training materials, and internal controls.
Establish protocols to ensure vendor adherence to import compliance standards, including correct commercial invoicing, country-of-origin markings, and valuation.
Ensure compliance with IEEPA-driven restrictions and emergency tariff programs.
Work with external customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trade counsel to ensure consistent application of compliance procedures.
Maintain comprehensive import records per CBP 19 CFR Part 163 (Recordkeeping).
Review vendor and logistics service provider (LSP) contracts to ensure alignment with import compliance and customs clearance obligations.
Collaborate with Procurement, Legal, and Finance teams to embed customs compliance requirements into purchase agreements and Incoterms.
Advise on import-related cost impacts during contract negotiations and sourcing strategy sessions.
Advise on tariff exposure including IEEPA impacts.
Partner closely with Logistics, Legal, Finance, and Project Management to support import planning and duty optimization.
Provide executive-level reporting on compliance performance, audit findings, and duty exposure.
Represent Fervo Energy in communications with U.S. Customs, outside counsel, and government agencies as needed.