Senior, Customs Compliance Manager

The Children's Place

2d•$125,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Customs Compliance is responsible for leading and continuously improving the organization’s U.S. and Canadian import compliance program. This role ensures full adherence to CBP and CBSA regulations while minimizing risk exposure across global sourcing operations. Acting as the internal subject matter expert, the Manager partners cross-functionally to embed compliance into business processes, drive operational efficiencies, and optimize duty spend through strategic programs and regulatory expertise.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience in customs compliance, global trade, or import/export management
Experience managing high-volume customs entries with complex, multi-line classifications (preferably in apparel)
Strong knowledge of HTS classification, valuation methodologies, and trade regulations across U.S. and Canada
Experience supporting an expanding international business environment
Mastery of HTS/HS tariff classification with deep apparel and textile knowledge (chapters 61/62, fiber content, construction)
Proficiency in customs valuation methodologies including first sale, transaction value, assists, and royalties
Hands-on administration of duty drawback and first sale programs
Ability to identify customs valuation exposure within related-party transactions and transfer pricing structures
Integrity & Compliance Mindset: Unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance; does not rationalize shortcuts under business pressure; models ethical behavior and creates an environment where compliance concerns are surfaced without fear
Proactive Risk Management: Anticipates regulatory changes and business shifts that create exposure; acts ahead of problems; continuously monitors CBP rulings, Federal Register, CBSA updates, and trade policy developments
Operational Excellence: Detail-oriented and process-driven; builds systems and controls that scale; identifies inefficiencies and drives continuous improvement; manages multiple priorities and regulatory timelines simultaneously
Business Partnership Orientation: Approaches compliance as a shared business function; actively supports growth initiatives through a compliance lens; quantifies program value — drawback savings, duty mitigation, risk avoided — in business terms
Adaptability & Resilience: Remains composed during peak import seasons, audits, regulatory inquiries, or enforcement actions; adapts quickly to changes in trade policy, tariff landscapes, and sourcing strategy
Collaboration & Influence: Earns credibility through expertise and follow-through, not positional authority; fosters a culture of compliance awareness across the organization

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in SAP, including classification-related transaction codes
Expert-level knowledge of CBP and CBSA regulations, entry processes, and enforcement frameworks
Experience with GT Nexus or similar supply chain platforms
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Applied expertise in FTA programs, especially CAFTA-DR, AGOA and QIZ qualification and utilization
Working knowledge of AD/CVD, Section 301 tariff management
End-to-end C-TPAT program administration, including ANL filings and prior disclosures

Responsibilities

Own and continuously enhance the enterprise customs and trade compliance program covering all U.S. and Canadian import activity
Serve as the primary compliance liaison to internal leadership and cross-functional stakeholders on all customs and trade matters
Lead annual compliance risk assessments; proactively identify, escalate, and mitigate areas of regulatory exposure
Maintain C-TPAT Trade Compliance program status, including Annual Notification Letter (ANL) submission and management of prior disclosures
Act as the primary point of contact for government agencies including U.S. CBP, Canada CBSA, and partner agencies such as CPSC and FDA
Serve as the internal subject matter expert on tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, admissibility, and trade remedy requirements
Oversee HTS/HS classification across the full product assortment, including complex apparel classifications involving fiber content and construction analysis
Ensure integrity of customs valuation, including first sale eligibility, assists, royalties, and related-party pricing in alignment with Finance and Treasury
Manage regulatory exposures including AD/CVD, Section 301 tariffs, and UFLPA compliance and due diligence requirements
Review and approve customs entries, post-entry amendments, and prior disclosures; conduct broker audits and performance evaluations
Lead responses to CBP/CBSA audits, inquiries (CF-28/29), verifications, and penalty proceedings, engaging external counsel as needed
Partner with Sourcing and Design to embed compliance guidance from product development through PO execution and line reviews
Collaborate with Finance and Accounting on duty accruals, landed cost modeling, broker invoice reconciliation, and compliance-related reporting
Advise Treasury on transfer pricing alignment with customs valuation rules and duty cash flow implications
Support business growth initiatives, including international expansion and wholesale partnerships, by providing guidance on market entry, sourcing eligibility, and duty impact
Provide ongoing trade compliance guidance to internal stakeholders and ensure awareness of regulatory changes
Develop and enforce vendor compliance standards across commercial documentation, including invoices, COO certifications, fiber content declarations, and FTA support
Support vendor onboarding, compliance assessments, and corrective action processes for non-compliance
Partner with Sourcing to integrate UFLPA and forced labor due diligence into vendor selection and ongoing monitoring
Establish and monitor KPIs across classification accuracy, entry processing, vendor compliance, and post-entry activities
Identify and implement operational improvements leveraging data from SAP and GT Nexus
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, including Customs Compliance and C-TPAT manuals
Deliver regular compliance reporting and dashboards to leadership, including duty spend analytics and program health metrics