Senior Import/Export Specialist

the LEGO Group • Richmond, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the dynamic team at LEGO Manufacturing Virginia (LVA) as a Senior Import/Export Specialist, where you will drive strategic material flows, optimize global trade operations, and ensure trade compliance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The Import-Export Department at LEGO Manufacturing Virginia is dedicated to ensuring that all materials are delivered or shipped accurately, timely, and cost-effectively, all while adhering to applicable US Customs and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) regulations. This department plays a crucial role in supporting LVA's strategic goals by facilitating smooth and compliant operations that are essential for maintaining production schedules and meeting customer demands. As a Senior Import/Export Specialist, your role is vital in securing the necessary service levels for internal customers and ensuring compliance with transportation and international trade policies. You will be an integral player in the successful operation of the FTZ and long-term trade compliance, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the Colonial Heights/Chesterfield manufacturing site. Your efforts will help the LEGO Group continue to thrive in both local and global markets.

Requirements

• Proven experience in FTZ, import/export operations, or customs compliance functions.
• Strong understanding of US Customs, FTZ Regulations, Free Trade Agreements, HTS Classification, International Logistics, and Domestic Transport.
• Proficiency in SAP or other enterprise systems and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; self-motivated and capable of working independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing trade and supply chain environment.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to enhance and implement guidelines with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Experience with FTZ software, SAP GTS, and Power BI solutions.
• US Customs Broker License.

Responsibilities

• Keep high standard of shipping and customs processes with a focus on continuous improvement to fully adhere to all regulatory requirements and internal quality standards
• Ensure timely declaration of import/export shipments and efficient delivery of material with a focus on visibility tools
• Confirm FTZ declarations are compliant with US Customs regulation
• Oversight of yard driver management, both directly and via their supervisors, for efficient operation with a focus on safe operations within the yard and the use of safe shipping equipment
• Build and maintain an effective relationship with external transportation suppliers, LEGO Suppliers, Customs and other authorities
• Lead mitigation efforts in case of late deliveries or any other obstacles and follow-up with preventative measures
• Orchestrate Inbound and Outbound Transport Flow (Current Site and Final Factory)
• Lead a cross functional team (internal stakeholders and outside parties) in the movement of factory equipment from suppliers to the final factory location on time while maintaining current established transport flows
• Author Standard Operating Procedures with external material suppliers for factory equipment
• Visibility project for Delivery including but not limited to online appointment system – creation, supplier onboarding, and implementation
• Lead rapid response efforts for shipment delays, customs holds, carrier issues, or operational obstacles, coordinating with internal teams and external partners to restore shipment flow and prevent recurrence
• Lead long term transport strategy execution (Current + Future Site)
• Collaborate closely with internal and external customers, identifying their operational needs, recommending solutions, and ensuring seamless communication with local, regional, and global partners
• Implement transportation flows with Billund Shipping and Global Procurement via RFPs and use of LEGO approved transportation providers
• Track KPIs and compliance metrics, escalating recurring issues with outside vendors and implementing corrective actions to strengthen transportation network
• Build Strategic Relationships: Develop and maintain effective partnerships with other LVA departments and other LEGO global facilities, external transportation suppliers, Customs, and other government authorities.
• Lead Mitigation Efforts: Address late deliveries and operational obstacles, implementing proactive, preventative countermeasures.
• Optimize Shipping and Customs Processes: Maintain standards and drive improvements to meet quality requirements.
• Complete Long-term Transport Strategy: Implement transportation flows and track critical metrics to strengthen the network.
• Ensure Timely Declarations: Be responsible for import/export shipments and efficient material delivery using innovative visibility tools.
• Coordinate Transport Flow: Orchestrate inbound and outbound transport, ensuring timely movement of factory equipment, production materials, and CAPEX/MRO.

Benefits

• Family Care Leave – We offer enhanced paid leave options for those important times.
• Insurances – All colleagues are covered by our life and disability insurance which provides protection and peace of mind.
• Wellbeing – We want you to be your best self, so you’ll have access to the Headspace App and lots of wellbeing initiatives and programs run by local teams where you are based
• Colleague Discount – We know you'll love to build so from day 1 you will qualify for our generous colleague discount.
• Bonus – We do our best work to succeed together. When goals are reached and if eligible, you'll be rewarded through our bonus scheme

What This Job Offers

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