Trade Compliance Specialist

Superior Foods International•Watsonville, CA

About The Position

The Trade Compliance Specialist supports compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing imports, exports, and the movement of goods, and helps develop internal processes aligned with U.S. Customs and applicable Partner Government Agencies. The role requires organization, attention to detail, strong communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, and the capacity to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines under pressure. It interfaces with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, customs brokers, and shipping lines. The position handles import documentation and shipment coordination for assigned suppliers; maintains trade compliance reports and supplier performance metrics; monitors regulatory developments; supports C-TPAT reviews, audits, and training; and assists with compliance requirements involving FSMA, SFCA, and other government regulations. It also classifies HTS codes and FDA product codes, supports customs broker management and trade policy monitoring, and manages communications and logistics related to FDA holds and refused products.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, preferably in International Business, International Relations, or Supply Chain Management, and two years of related experience and/or training in customs or trade compliance; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Intermediate working knowledge of U.S. import regulations and requirements.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret government regulations and policies, business periodicals, professional journals, and sales and marketing reports.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures in the prescribed style and format.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from employees, managers, clients, suppliers, vendors, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to work with statistical processes and mathematical concepts, apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions, and interpret trends and variances in data.
Ability to define and solve practical problems, work with concrete variables and limited information, and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to prioritize and distinguish critical from non-critical failures.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage conflicting priorities and meet deadlines.
Detail orientation, patience, ability to handle stressful situations accurately and respectfully, and strong communication, interpersonal, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Basic or deeper knowledge of the culture and language of Latin American countries is needed for frequent supplier communication.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure timely receipt and accuracy of import documents for assigned suppliers; request pending documents and resolve discrepancies in bills of lading or invoices.
File ISFs on time for assigned origins, confirm ISF numbers daily, and review, audit, allocate, and file 7501 forms before booking closure.
Communicate with suppliers to ensure procedures are followed and work with customs brokers and ocean shipping lines to identify and resolve import issues.
Use transportation provider software to confirm shipment status and update the legacy system.
Arrange clearance and delivery of air samples, create and manage internal bookings, and maintain timely transaction flow under established procedures.
Maintain supplier performance metrics for document accuracy and timeliness, and report supplier metrics monthly and quarterly for supplier KPIs.
Publish trade policy updates in quarterly Business Highlights and report relevant policy updates and data to internal leadership and stakeholders.
Participate in seminars and training on regulatory changes and support annual C-TPAT review procedures, including auditing and training.
Manage trade compliance efforts involving FSMA, SFCA, and other government regulations affecting the movement of goods across borders.
Assist the Strategic Sourcing and Operations Manager with customs broker management and compliance with current importing practices.
Classify HTS codes and FDA product codes, and support FDA registration.
Audit transactions for compliance risks or potential penalties and manage corrective actions.
Support monitoring and review of U.S. trade policies, preferential programs, and free trade agreements, working with relevant trade organizations and departments.
Support internal and external audits, inquiries, and compliance initiatives.
Monitor shipments placed on FDA hold and notify departments of their status.
Manage FDA-refused products, including export, booking, and documentation, and communicate with overseas suppliers about refusals.