Trade Compliance, Sr Specialist

Mars•Chicago, IL

1d•$86,720 - $119,240•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will provide internal consulting and advanced customs technical knowledge for the United States. Experience with import and export laws in Canada and Mexico is preferred. The incumbent is expected to develop and deliver continuous improvement programs and strategies to drive enhanced Trade/Customs Compliance risk mitigation and cost avoidance. This position will influence Leaders in Legal, Supply, and Commercial, to drive compliance and is critical for risk mitigation, core compliance and identification and execution of savings initiatives. The incumbent is expected to be the primary interface between freight forwarders, Government agencies, customs brokers and designated Mars aƯiliates in regard to trade compliance and import and export filings. This person will be responsible for the following key areas: - Expert knowledge of, and ability to design programs to comply with laws and regulations related to trade compliance business activity in their region - Proficiency in import and export requirements and working with trade authorities in the United States and the North America - Proficient working with GTM (Global Trade Management) compliance software and SAP/ERP systems - Experienced with strategic trade programs such as retaliatory tariƯs, duty drawback and free trade agreements, audits of import and export processes and documentation, license determinations, other government agency requirements (including FDA and USDA), application of cross border taxes, recordkeeping, valuation, and tariƯ classification of internationally shipped goods.

Requirements

Minimum 6-7 years progressive experience in complex CPG, legal, or consulting environments
Specialized, advanced knowledge in trade and customs compliance regulations required

Nice To Haves

Experience with import and export laws in Canada and Mexico is preferred.
Broker's License, Law Degree or Degree/ Certificate in Compliance, International Logistics, Customs Work or International Studies preferred

Responsibilities

Develop Compliance Controls Design and Implement Mars import/export compliance program within the designated segment/country(s). Activities may include, but are not limited to: creation and implementation of programs to comply with Customs regulations within the US, valuation reviews, tariƯ classification, duty and cost avoidance, assists (valuation) tracking, Security programs (C-TPAT) and roll-out and training of associates on new trade policies.
Conduct complex customs-related research and analysis, using a substantial understanding of customs practices and procedures with minimal input from line manager.
Deliver savings and cost avoidance for Mars by ideating and implementing continuous improvements to trade processes and risk mitigation.
Manage relationships with Customs brokers and freight forwarders. Act as primary business stakeholder and collaborate with Mars Commercial on brokerage sourcing initiatives. Leads reviews of Broker performance periodically.
Develop and implement processes to ensure compliance with FTA programs or other duty/cost avoidance programs including Foreign Trade Zones or other initiatives. Ensure eligibility and record retention requirements are met.
Communicate new requirements to Mars associates via training, newsletters, and SOP creation.
Prioritize onboarding new acquisitions to Mars TC processes and compliance requirements.
Identifies the audit process and implements holistic compliance auditing annually, in accordance with Mars SOP's.
Identifies and implements corrective action plan resulting from audits or investigations leveraging advanced technical knowledge.
Utilizes Trade Compliance Software (GTM) to perform audits of import/export entries, and where software may not be utilized, complete manual audits of import/export requirements, recommending tools where needed. Creates audit processes where needed and conduct audits to ensure compliance with import/export documentation retention. Other audit activities as assigned by the Trade Compliance Manager or Director.
Develops and influences adoptions of policies, identifies need, creates, implements, and updates SOP’s to reflect world class compliance standards.
Resolve and make decisions regarding trade compliance issues and problems that arise in connection with business activities involving Mars units.
Identify new procedures/methods to continuously improve and expedite clearance and cost avoidance for import/export shipments
Serve as problem solver, act as compliance liaison to government authorities for customs issues, may be liable for signature on customs documents.
Determination of HTS classification and maintenance of classification database in accordance with Customs procedures as needed.
Respond to business/SME requests for assistance and proactively guide associates to minimize risk.
Create and execute business procedures, best practices and internal controls necessary to ensure customs compliance to minimize business and legal risk
Continue skill development in trade compliance and regulatory issues.
Provide analytics, data, and reporting on compliance activities as required
Provide consultations to internal customers on import/export requirements, tariƯ systems and other customs-related matters to mitigate compliance risks.