Procurement & Custom Compliance Specialist
About The Position
We are seeking a Procurement Specialist with strong technical understanding of raw rare earth materials, metal alloys, and metallurgy to support our import/export operations and procurement activities. This role ensures that all inbound and outbound shipments comply with U.S. Customs regulations while overseeing supplier sourcing and purchasing for metals, alloys, ceramics, and specialty materials used in our advanced manufacturing supply chain. The ideal candidate will combine chemistry or materials science knowledge with a solid understanding of business operations and logistics. Candidates educated at a reputable U.S. university and fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese will be especially well-suited for this position.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Metallurgy, or Chemical Engineering.
- Graduated from a U.S. university (Bachelor’s or higher).
- 1–2 years of relevant work experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain.
- Chinese nationality and ability to communicate fluently in both Mandarin and English (verbal and written).
- Solid understanding of metals, rare earth elements, and material compositions.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with customs compliance, trade documentation, or import/export operations.
- Familiarity with HTS classifications for rare earths, metals, and alloys.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and procurement tools (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, or similar).
- U.S. Customs Broker License or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with U.S. import/export regulations, including CBP, BIS, ITAR, and EAR requirements.
- Classify materials under appropriate HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes, with emphasis on rare earths, alloys, metals, and ceramic compounds.
- Review and maintain import/export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipping manifests.
- Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and suppliers to ensure timely clearance of international shipments.
- Maintain accurate and detailed compliance records in accordance with CBP and internal audit requirements.
- Source and evaluate suppliers for rare earth materials, metals, alloys, ceramics, and chemical compounds.
- Negotiate supplier pricing, terms, and lead times to ensure cost-effective and reliable procurement.
- Review technical datasheets, Material Safety Data Sheet, and Certificates of Analysis (CoA) to confirm product composition and compliance.
- Collaborate with Product Development and Operations to forecast material demand and ensure inventory sufficiency.
- Track and monitor purchase orders, shipments, and inbound containers, ensuring timely delivery and proper documentation.
- Analyze supplier performance and manage vendor relationships to maintain product quality and supply consistency.
- Work closely with the China operations team and U.S. headquarters to align procurement, logistics, and customs activities.
- Support Finance in reconciling landed costs, tariffs, and duty payments for imported materials.
- Provide recommendations to improve procurement processes, supplier evaluation, and trade compliance efficiency.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
