Manager, Trade Operations & Compliance (US)

Central Garden and Pet•Bingham Farms, MI

50d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for managing all U.S. customs compliance and brokerage activities. The position ensures adherence to CBP and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements and serves as the company's subject matter expert on classification, valuation, origin, and trade programs. The purpose of the role is to maintain compliant and efficient U.S. trade operations. Active Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) issued by U.S customs and Border Protection is required.

Requirements

Active U.S. Customs Broker License.
7+ years in customs brokerage, trade compliance, or trade operations.
Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS, valuation, origin, and PGA requirements.
Experience with ACE Portal, preferably as system administrator, post-entry processes, SOP development, broker management, and responding to CBP/PGA audits.
Demonstrated ability to act independently upon information and make decisions in adherence to compliance, regulations and policies
Demonstrated ability to identify and understand issues and resolve inquiries and develop appropriate solutions quickly, effectively and independently
Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel and ability to work with large datasets.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

CTPAT program management experience.
Experience with customs audits, ADD/CVD, reconciliation, and USMCA qualification.
Exposure to global trade compliance.

Responsibilities

Handle all U.S. import and export compliance activities, including entry preparation, filing, post-entry actions, and recordkeeping in accordance with CBP regulations.
Monitor clearances, engaging with brokers to ensure accurate entries, investigating exceptions to resolution.
Manage HTS classification, valuation (including assists and related-party pricing), country of origin, and ADD/CVD applicability.
Lead research on policies and practices associated with trade agreements, and lead on classification resolution disputes, proactively managing tariff exposure, including customer tariff recovery documentation.
Administration-level fluency with US Customs ACE Portal and trade reports to monitor compliance, duty spend, and operational efficiency.
Develop dashboards and KPIs to measure performance.
Act as the primary contact for CBP and PGAs (e.g., FDA, EPA, USDA). Manage inquiries, audits, and maintain CTPAT status.
Develop and maintain SOPs, broker management processes, and compliance training. Track regulatory updates and implement changes as needed.
Identify and implement duty-minimization opportunities (e.g., USMCA, drawback, FTZ, reconciliation) in partnership with Procurement, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Finance.
Resolve import/export delays, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve compliance, accuracy, and cycle time.

Benefits

Paid Time Off - Enjoy paid vacation days, holidays, and a floating holiday!
Top-Tier Health Coverage - Comprehensive health insurance benefits include medical, dental, vision, accident, disability, dependent life, and other voluntary options. Our Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are available with a company-funded stipend.
Peace of Mind - Employer-paid Life Insurance
Secure Your Future - A competitive 401(k) plan with employer match to help you plan ahead.
Family First - Paid Parental Leave so you can focus on what matters most.
Grow With Us - We support your journey with Education Assistance for college degrees and professional certifications.
Career Advancement - Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility.
Never Stop Learning - Unlock access to thousands of free online courses through our Learning & Development platform.
Celebrate You - Our Employee Recognition Programs spotlight your achievements and contributions.
Support When You Need It - Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
Get Rewarded - Earn bonus dollars with our Referral Bonus Program.
Perks Galore - Enjoy discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more.