Trade Compliance Specialist

Kuraray America • Pasadena, TX

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Kuraray America, Inc. is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to support and execute its U.S. trade compliance program, with a primary focus on import and export compliance. This individual contributor and subject matter expert will manage day-to-day compliance processes, partner across functions, and drive continuous improvement in trade compliance operations. The role provides functional leadership without direct reports and collaborates with KAI business units and global Kuraray entities. It is a hybrid position requiring onsite work twice a week, with travel 5% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in import, export, trade compliance, customs brokerage, logistics, or a related field; equivalent education, certifications, and experience will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations and compliance requirements, including customs, import/export controls, classification, and trade documentation.
• Experience working with customs brokers, government agencies, and trade compliance systems such as ACE.
• Ability to assess risk, solve complex problems, and implement practical compliance solutions that support business objectives.
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate across functions, including Logistics, Procurement, Customer Service, Operations, and external business partners.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to influence decisions, provide training, and explain regulatory requirements to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive results in a dynamic business environment.
• Ability to travel 5% of the time.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting trade programs such as Free Trade Agreements, Foreign Trade Zones, bonded warehousing, duty drawback, post-entry amendments, or duty optimization initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Kuraray America’s primary trade compliance resource, providing guidance and support for import and export compliance across multiple business units.
• Lead the execution and continuous improvement of trade compliance processes, policies, and internal controls to ensure compliance with U.S. customs and export regulations.
• Identify compliance risks, conduct audits and assessments, and implement corrective actions to strengthen operational controls.
• Monitor changes in global trade regulations and translate regulatory developments into practical business guidance and action plans.
• Partner with Logistics, Procurement, Customer Service, and other stakeholders to integrate trade compliance requirements into daily business operations.
• Manage relationships with customs brokers, government agencies, and external service providers to support efficient and compliant cross-border operations.
• Identify cost-reduction and efficiency opportunities through duty savings initiatives, trade agreement utilization, process improvements, and automation.
• Provide training, develop best practices, and foster an enterprise-wide culture of compliance and accountability.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation including base pay and an annual incentive designed to reward individual performance and align rewards with corporate and team performance.
• Healthcare package.
• Wellness reimbursements.
• Three weeks of paid time off.
• Ten company holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Education reimbursement.
• 401(k) matching plan.

What This Job Offers

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