Trade Compliance Specialist

Kuraray America•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to support and execute the U.S. trade compliance program, with a primary focus on import and export compliance activities. This role serves as a key individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for managing day-to-day compliance processes, partnering cross-functionally, and driving continuous improvement across trade compliance operations. The position requires a self-directed professional capable of providing functional leadership without direct reports while collaborating across KAI business units and global Kuraray entities. This is a hybrid role coming in a twice a week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, or a related field
Minimum 5+ years of experience in import/export compliance
Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations (CBP, EAR), including: Duty rates and tariff classification, Import/export documentation requirements, Pre-shipment inspection requirements
Experience working with customs brokers and government systems, including ACE
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities
Demonstrated ability to influence and provide guidance without direct authority
Ability to travel 5% of the time
Valid driver's license required

Responsibilities

Execute and support the KAI Trade Compliance program in alignment with U.S. regulatory requirements (e.g., CBP, EAR)
Manage daily import and export compliance activities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
Monitor regulatory updates and proactively communicate impacts to key stakeholders
Develop, maintain, and enhance trade compliance procedures, SOPs, and internal controls
Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to global risk compliance and enforcement
Maintain accurate and complete trade compliance records
Oversee product classification activities, including HTS and Schedule B codes
Ensure timely ISF filings and post-entry corrections in accordance with company processes
Support Free Trade Agreements (FTA), supplier certifications, and duty drawback programs
Ensure compliance with FTZ and bonded warehouse requirements (as applicable)
Coordinate with customs brokers (CHBs) to ensure service quality and regulatory adherence
Monitor broker performance, support KPI tracking, and contribute to performance reviews
Partner with Logistics, Procurement, and Customer Service to ensure compliance across business processes
Support Procurement in compliance aspects of contracts and supplier engagement
Perform internal audits and risk assessments to identify gaps and drive corrective actions
Respond to government inquiries and support mitigation and resolution efforts
Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders through daily interactions, formal materials, and presentations
Develop best practices and identify efficiency opportunities across trade compliance processes
Serve as Trade Account Owner (TAO) for ACE account access and oversight
Support administration of the PMS program