Trade Operations Manager- Americas

Acuity Inc.•Costa Mesa, CA

33d•$91,400 - $164,400•Hybrid

About The Position

The Trade Operations Manager is primarily responsible for ensuring QSC's compliance with trade laws, business processes, and regulations in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America, in accordance with corporate policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks. The role is the primary regional contact for customs and export compliance matters across the Americas and partners with Internal Legal Trade Compliance to implement global trade compliance policies and requirements. The position provides technical expertise and operational leadership for customs and export compliance, including HTS and ECCN classification, country-of-origin determinations, customs valuation, free trade agreement qualification, duty drawback, tariff analysis, and export controls. It leads compliance assessments, audits, monitoring, and corrective-action initiatives; maintains auditable documentation; and identifies and mitigates compliance risks while supporting business and regulatory objectives. The position requires on-site presence at the Corporate CA headquarters and follows a hybrid work model.

Requirements

Fluent in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing.
Clear and compelling written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated expertise in HTSUS and ECCN classification, customs valuation, country-of-origin determinations, free trade agreement qualification, duty drawback, and U.S. export controls (EAR).
In-depth knowledge of USHTS/HS, country-of-origin requirements, free trade agreements, and U.S. EAR.
Working knowledge of ACE and SNAP-R.
Familiarity with the LATAM import/export environment.
Experience working on cross-functional teams to implement system changes based on user or legal requirements.
Excellent research and analytical skills, including the ability to present conclusions clearly and effectively for the intended audience and context.
Strong understanding of the relevant regulatory environment, its impact on QSC, and how to develop, improve, and execute effective trade compliance programs.
Ability to promote and maintain a strong compliance culture and ethical business practices.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
6–8 years of experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or similar certification in a relevant field, such as International Business and Trade, Logistics, or a related discipline.
Equivalent relevant work experience may be considered.
5+ years of experience in a Trade Compliance role.
Deep knowledge of trade compliance processes and how they integrate with other business functions.

Responsibilities

Conduct and maintain HTSUS classifications, customs valuation reviews, country-of-origin determinations, substantial-transformation analyses, and regulatory assessments for imports and exports throughout the Americas.
Develop and maintain audit-ready records and technical compliance memoranda.
Conduct and maintain ECCN classifications, export licensing determinations, EAR compliance reviews, denied-party screening oversight, and export-control assessments.
Maintain BIS-compliant records and documentation, and support export compliance audits, investigations, and regulatory inquiries.
Administer and document Free Trade Agreement programs, including USMCA, Trade Agreements Act eligibility analyses, tariff mitigation initiatives, and other special trade programs.
Maintain FTA qualification records, supplier certifications, and supporting documentation.
Conduct import compliance reviews and support post-summary corrections, reconciliation filings, duty drawback claims, broker oversight, customs entry validations, and other customs compliance activities.
Lead customs and trade compliance audits, risk assessments, monitoring activities, and internal control reviews.
Identify compliance gaps, document findings, develop corrective action plans, and support CBP, BIS, and internal audit activities.
Develop and improve trade compliance procedures, SOPs, work instructions, compliance controls, and training programs.
Provide stakeholders with technical guidance on classification, valuation, country of origin, FTA qualification, TAA eligibility, duty drawback, export controls, and customs compliance.
Monitor and assess changes to customs, export control, sanctions, tariff, and trade regulations affecting operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America.
Communicate regulatory updates, provide compliance guidance, and recommend process or control enhancements.