International Trade Compliance Specialist

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY • West Chicago, IL

14h • $65,000 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Trade Compliance Specialist will be responsible for executing and maintaining the import and export trade compliance program at Ball Horticultural Company. High emphasis on live, perishable shipments coming from international production facilities to North America for multimodal delivery. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving import/export license or permit applications, advising cross-functional partners about trade compliance matters, and interacting with USDA/APHIS and customs officials regarding clearances, inspections and holds.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of import/export administration experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required.
• Must have an extensive knowledge of U.S. import and export control laws and regulations.
• High accuracy and attention to detail needed.
• Ability to interact with cross-functional teams to resolve importation issues (USDA/APHIS, import agents, customers, sales, internal stakeholders).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to set and accomplish strategic goals, communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

• Customs Broker License is a plus.
• Familiarity with USDA/APHIS process for importation of live perishables is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that the company is compliant with domestic and foreign import and export requirements to maintain the company is ability to import products into the USA with adherence to laws.
• Monitors weekly movement of live perishables from offshore facilities and provide expert knowledge and assistance to airport partners/vendors during customs and USDA/APHIS inspections. This ensures fluid movement of shipments without delays that could jeopardize the quality of the live perishable contents.
• Oversees and provides guidance to the operations teams in the day-to-day compliance matters which are not limited to but include correct documentation guidance, USDA Customs/USDA shipment “hold” intervention and communication, HTS classification, custom broker management, and export compliance matters. Sharing knowledge of best practices and optimal processes aids in maintaining fluid movement of import/export shipments.
• Ensure legal compliance with trade laws and regulations, including appropriate licensing for shipments to maintain Import Permits required for import of live perishables to USA and Canada.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on U.S. and other international import/export requirements to aid in resolving problems that may arise, helping internal teams to be more self-sufficient and accurate with their work.
• Review, respond to, and escalate as necessary all government inquiries related to trade compliance.
• Work with global team members on compliance with review of new product offerings and new market introductions.
• Interface with government agencies on new preferential trade program initiatives and facility certifications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level