US Import / Export Manager

Position Summary ​

The Manager, U.S. Import / Export is responsible for managing and coordinating all export and import activities. Responsible for ensuring compliance with international regulations, optimizing logistics operations, and developing strategies for cost-effective and timely shipments.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Develop and implement effective strategies for export-import operations at Living Spaces.

Monitor and stay current with changes in international trade laws, import-export regulations, and compliance requirements to ensure organizational adherence and mitigate legal risks.

Manages the services and performance of Customs Brokers, freight forwarders and other relationships.

Coordinate and manage truck and border crossing activities, ensuring timely and compliant movement of goods between the U.S. and Mexico.

Oversee and maintain knowledge of the Harmonized Classification System pertaining to tariff research, binding rules, protests, duty rates, and valuation on import shipments into the U.S. are processed timely and efficiently and in accordance with all applicable laws.

Manage all import, export, customs clearance or breakbulk transactions and applicable administrative U.S. and foreign government programs to ensure all paperwork is processed efficiently and in a timely manner and meets all compliance requirements; aligns operations with overall product strategy.

Oversee the preparation of U.S. Customs documentation, including but not limited to invoices, bills of lading, shipping statements, receipts, to ensure accurate and complete documents are prepared within designated timeframes.

Interface with U.S. Customs and other Federal agencies at the local and national level to ensure compliance with all pertinent laws and regulations as directed by senior management.

Establish recordkeeping standards and oversee file maintenance in accordance with U.S. Customs regulations and company policies.

Manage effective and prompt communications, and follow-up of all pending matters, including changes, scheduling, new regulations, bonding / insurance requirements, and general industry expertise, etc.

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the LSMX (Logistics, Sourcing, and Mexico) trade department, ensuring compliance with U.S. and Mexican trade regulations and optimizing cross-border logistics.

Maintain expert-level knowledge of maquiladora (IMMEX) program requirements, including material regulatory compliance, inventory control, and reconciliation processes for goods imported into and exported from Mexico.

Lead the implementation and ongoing management of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program. Ensure operational adherence to security protocols, conduct internal audits, and maintain documentation to support certification and revalidation processes.

Monitor and interpret changes in U.S. and Mexican trade laws and regulations. Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure full compliance and mitigate operational and financial risks.

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance trade compliance, reduce costs, and streamline import / export operations. Leverage data and metrics to drive performance and accountability.

Ability to travel to facilities in Mexico.

Ability to develop and implement business and operational programs to achieve results.

Qualifications

Education / Experience : Bachelor's degree (B. A. or B. S.) or equivalent from four-year college in supply chain management, logistics, business administration or related field preferred. 5 years of experience in relevant import customs compliance, regulatory or internal audit work. 5 years of experience in the Transportation industry or field. Minimum 3 years of experience working with customs regulations and international trade laws is a must. Knowledge US Customs Bonds, ACE reporting, Free Trade Agreements, CTPAT, additional tariff requirements, OGA’s, ACH, and all other related trade legislation, rules, and regulations.  Proven knowledge of US Customs regulations, Mexico export manufacturing industry, free trade agreements to include USMCA and HTSUS classification.  Knowledge of U.S. Customs programs (E.g., Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, Importer Self-Assessment, Reconciliation Program, etc.).  Manages daily imports from overseas and Mexico northbound from arrival through to customs clearance, port, carrier, and Customs releases – actively troubleshoots any holds in place.  Bilingual English / Spanish is required.  Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Computer Skills : To perform this job successfully, an individual must have Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, and Excel.  Proficient working knowledge of web-based, job specific software applications and Management Systems or TMS (Transportation Management Systems) or other similar systems.

Certificates and Licenses : Customs Broker License

Supervisory Responsibilities : This position will directly manage a team within Trade Compliance.  Develop and execute the company’s business strategies in order to attain the goals of the board and shareholders. Provide strategic advice so direct reports will have accurate view of the market and the company’s future. Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate. Ensure company policies and legal guidelines are communicated all the way from the top down in the company and that they are followed at all times. Communicate and maintain trust relationships with shareholders, business partners, and authorities.  Able to delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of direct reports providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance.

Position Hiring Range

The hiring pay range provides a good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage that Living Spaces expects to pay for the position upon hire.  Pay will be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to : applicant's education, relevant work experience, knowledge, applicable and relevant skills and abilities, market demand, Company budget, as well as internal equity and alignment with geographic market data.  Living Spaces reserves the right to modify this page at any time.

Compensation : $111,000.00 - $148,000.00

Overtime pay is available for eligible, non-exempt Team Members.  Reimbursement for expenses as required by applicable law and Company policy. Retail, Guest Services and Distribution Center Team Members are eligible to receive team bonus based on meeting specific goals and KPI's.

Additional available benefits upon meeting eligibility requirements include :

Medical (full-time only)

Dental (full-time only)

Vision (full-time only)

401(k) with Company match (full and part-time)

Vacation (full-time only or as otherwise required by applicable law)

Paid Sick Leave (full and part-time)

Flex or Health Spending Account (for eligible full-time only)

Employee Assistance Program (full and part-time)

Holiday pay (full-time only)

Life insurance (full-time only)