Director of Global Trade Compliance (On-site) - Lakeshore Learning Materials, LLC

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

We are currently seeking a Director of Global Trade Compliance to join our team. In this role, you will drive ground-level operations and develop and execute strategy for import and export customs compliance while ensuring Lakeshore satisfies the legal requirements set forth by CBP and various other governmental agencies. You will lead a team whose responsibilities include: HTS classifications, auditing of commercial documents, utilizing duty-reduction opportunities (Free Trade Agreements, Tariff/Supply Chain Engineering, First Sale, etc.), overall import/export compliance, daily operations with the broker, partnering closely with Legal for responding to customs inquiries, partnering closely with Finance for duty analysis and payment, duty drawback, export processes, updating and reviewing metrics for the duty and costs associated by division, and all other customs- and compliance-related functions. The position also requires partnering with internal functions to understand business processes and identifying areas of risk and developing risk mitigation policies. Applicants must be extremely knowledgeable in the customs area, including First Sale and tariff engineering, and able to partner with key internal and external stakeholders effectively. The ideal candidate also possesses strong leadership and communication skills that will foster partnerships and influence collaboration and among stakeholders.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Lead the vision and strategy for the trade compliance function, ensuring the implementation of global customs and trade compliance processes to facilitate product and raw material movements in all markets
• Build and lead a trade compliance team that engages closely with the business and keeps abreast of regulatory changes and the impact on our business
• Create a continuous learning atmosphere and internal training program on Import and Export Compliance to ensure sites are compliant with import and export regulatory requirements
• Manage the team in all daily workload and responsibilities and provide backup as needed
• Collaborate with departments involved in import and export compliance to influence business processes (Research, Design & Development; Sourcing; Legal; Finance; etc.)
• Communicate regulatory changes internally and lead operational guidance on programs (e.g., FTA, CPSC, Lacey Act) to ensure compliance and mitigation of risks, penalties and fines
• Manage relationships with vendors, such as customs broker on SOP creation, report review, operational processes and conducting regular business reviews
• Proactively conduct risk assessments to identify areas of noncompliance and implement corrective actions and risk mitigation strategies across departments
• Ensure business practices remain compliant with all applicable Customs and Broker policies, procedures, trade regulations and laws
• Identify, quantify and execute on opportunities with special trade programs (e.g., First Sale, Duty Drawback and Tariff Engineering)
• Augment HTS classification program with efficient use of trade compliance software and develop an ongoing audit plan to maintain HTS accuracy
• Strengthen the post-audit program by developing a more robust post-entry process for imports, emphasizing data validation and risk-based auditing to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls
• Rapidly address and resolve critical import/export operational issues across the business to prevent potential business disruptions
• Ensure brokerage and operational SOPs are updated and accurately maintained and monitored within import and export compliance manuals and company policies and internal controls

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 14+ years of experience in import/export compliance
• 10 years of experience in import/export working for an importer similar in size to Lakeshore Learning Materials and/or in the same industry
• 6 years of experience managing people/projects
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management or a related field
• U.S. Customs Broker License and certifications
• Experience in SAP
• Experience with compliance management software and tools
• Proficiency in Power BI
• Demonstrated proficiency working with U.S. Customs Brokers and export/import regulations
• Extensive experience with the ACE system
• Broad import/export knowledge, including a deep understanding of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classifications and tariffs, tariff/supply chain engineering, AD/CVD regulations, Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), Commerce Control List (CCL), Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and export license requirements
• Excellent Excel and data analysis skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent ability to clearly communicate complex issues verbally and in written format
• A strong sense of urgency and an ability to strategize solutions under deadline pressure
• Consistent leadership and strategic thinking with superb analytical and problem-solving skills
• A self-starter with excellent project management and leadership skills
• Ability to collaborate and influence across all areas of the business
• Must be detail oriented with strong analytical skills and financial acumen
• Flexible, able to multitask and accountable to deadlines

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $118,000-$175,000 and bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.