Senior Trade Compliance Specialist

Express•Columbus, OH

14d

About The Position

The Trade Compliance Senior Specialist is the subject matter expert and final authority on HTS classification and country of origin determinations, leveraging deep institutional knowledge and apparel-specific experience to minimize compliance risk and optimize duty costs across both Express and Bonobos brands. This individual is directly responsible for managing the continuous improvement of compliance processes with foreign suppliers, ensuring data integrity across multiple systems, and leading the oversight of customs brokerage activities. Working closely with the Trade Compliance & Customs Manager, this role collaborates cross-functionally with Production and Sourcing teams to develop and implement strategies that proactively address risks and opportunities within international trade laws and regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, Licensed Customs Broker strongly preferred, Trade compliance certifications beneficial
5+ years HTSUS classification experience, 4+ years specific to apparel/textile products, Experience with FTZ operations preferred
Knowledge of Integration Point or similar platforms preferred
Background in vendor management preferred
Expert knowledge of HTSUS Chapters 61-63 (textiles/apparel)
Proficiency with CBP rulings database (CROSS)
Knowledge of FTA programs (USMCA, CAFTA-DR)
Understanding of FTZ admission and entry procedures
Mastery of General Rules of Interpretation
Understanding of textile construction and terminology
Data analysis and reporting capabilities
System implementation experience
Process design and optimization
Ability to work independently and build from ground up
Change management capabilities
Vendor management and negotiation skills
Cross-functional influence without direct authority
Strategic thinking with tactical execution
Executive presentation skills
Clear documentation abilities
Training and knowledge transfer skills
Diplomatic approach to vendor relationships
Ability to translate technical concepts to business terms
High integrity and attention to detail
Self-motivated and proactive
Comfortable with ambiguity during transition
Strong organizational skills
Continuous improvement mindset

Responsibilities

HTS Classification & Country of Origin Determination Serve as the final subject matter expert (SME) and authority for all 10-digit HTSUS classification and country of origin determinations, adhering strictly to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs) and relevant customs laws. Support FTZ operations on admission classifications
Record keeping - Maintain audit-ready documentation by ensuring all required documents are complete, accurate and accessible to demonstrate "reasonable care" to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Proactively monitor and implement updates to the HTSUS and related trade regulations, ensuring the company's internal HTS database remains current.
Creating/managing binding rulings requests to US Customs
Supplier Compliance Management Manage the supplier auto-classification program to ensure accurate classification data is provided and validated prior to the issuance of Purchase Orders (POs).
Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure data integrity across systems and proactively address data inconsistencies (e.g., changes in fabric content, style definitions) that impact classification.
Monitor and manage supplier performance metrics related to data accuracy and timeliness, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Customs Brokerage Oversight & Vendor Management Act as the lead liaison for customs brokerage activities, overseeing their performance and ensuring all declarations align with in-house determinations.
Manage the vendor relationship with customs brokers, ensuring compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and timely, accurate filing of all customs entries.
Develop strategies to ensure broker processes align with the company's internal controls and international trade laws.
Risk Mitigation & Strategy Development Identify and remediate classification errors
Evaluate and document eligibility for FTAs and other preference programs.
Identify and mitigate compliance risks associated with classification, valuation, and country of origin across the Express and Bonobos brands.
Manage Post Entry Audit processing and reporting/support prior disclosure processes when needed
Manage classification-related CBP inquiries
Work closely with the Trade Compliance & Customs Manager to develop long-term strategies that proactively address emerging risks and leverage opportunities within international trade regulations (e.g., IEEPA tariffs, UFLPA).
Identify opportunities for duty optimization (e.g., duty drawback, FTAs, inverted tariffs within the FTZ context) through accurate classification and data analysis.
Collaborate with finance on duty forecasting
Support CTPAT foundation across all external partners
Support training and development of classification impact to internal teams
Support Integration Point platform optimization