North America Import / Export Trade Specialist

Vallourec North America•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Trade Specialist supports our activities by ensuring regulatory compliance and optimizing trade operations. The specialist monitors documentation, proposes solutions to trade-related issues under the responsibility of our Legal Department, identifies cost-saving opportunities, and ensures smooth, timely movement of goods across borders. Success in this position depends on impeccable English communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This role will also support the overall trade strategy for the North American region, offering support for the USA as well as the Canada and Mexico operations regarding compliance and options for import and export management.

Requirements

Project management skills and experience are a must
Cost accounting knowledge and business acumen
Experience with MRP and ERP systems and related concepts (SAP Experience a plus)
Experience with logistics in air, rail, truck, and marine shipments, including material acquisition, transactional quality, and delivery of products to end users
Superior analytical skills for preparing and evaluating route options, duty and tax assessments, and inventory
Strong oral and written communication skills – this position reports frequently to executive management at the regional and corporate levels
Able to simplify and execute difficult, complex initiatives and problem-solving
Ability to effectively operate in a fast-moving international business environment under high-pressure situations to meet deadlines and exceed goals
Must be able to work in a matrix organization with limited direct authority
Candidates should have 5+ years of experience in an import/export capacity
Procurement or Sourcing knowledge or experience
Outstanding English writing and speaking skills, with strong attention to clarity

Nice To Haves

SAP Experience a plus
Certification associated with Supply Chain Professionals CPIM, CLTD, CSCP, SCOR, or other is preferred

Responsibilities

Support Sales with proper product HTS code classification, to avoid tax or quota errors.
Request reimbursement from post-summary correction.
Maintain control and ensuring regulations to all import and export processes and monitor work according to corporate and local policies.
Evaluate all new Customs requirements and supervise everyday operations according to standard procedures.
Evaluate all items for import and ensure accuracy in all values and collaborate with customer brokers to provide clearance of all imports and maintain required documents.
Stay updated on changes in trade regulations, sanctions, tariffs, and free trade agreements that may impact the business.
Cross functional support — Collaborate with procurement, finance, legal, and operations teams to support business decisions and ensure trade compliance.
Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to customs entries, documentation errors, or regulatory holds.
Evaluate duty rates and identify opportunities for duty savings or trade program eligibility.
Monitor and provide a response to all custom inquiries and requests and obtain required product certifications for all export and import products for customs clearance.
Consultation with our internal stakeholders regarding insurance, duties, and taxes.
Providing customer service to all internal and external stakeholders as required.
Determination of initial exemption filing – and rebuttal – language and strategy.
To support and endorse rebuttal rationale to improve the granting ratio of our process.