Trade Compliance Specialist - Clearfield, Inc

POSITION TITLE: Trade Compliance Specialist

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Responsible for ensuring Clearfield’s compliance with U.S. export control and import laws and regulations. Interacts with government licensing officers on issues pertaining to Clearfield’s import and export applications and compliance. Provides training to Clearfield employees and identifying processes and procedures for optimal trade compliance within the business. Works cross-functionally to develop and implement policies, manage certifications, stay informed about regulatory changes, and optimize import/export operations. Identify and communicate risks and develop strategies to address potential issues regarding trade and regulatory compliance.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Trade Compliance System Development and Maintenance:

• Develop and maintain processes and related SOPs to ensure compliance with export laws and regulations.
• Operationalize export regulations and requirements through the development and ongoing management of systemic controls, implementing processes and maintaining performance.
• Support systematic enhancements are implemented while adhering to all regulatory requirements and timelines.
• Maintain and support compliance tools and databases.
• Maintain compliance data ensuring timely updates due to regulatory changes.

Manage day to day Operations and compliance projects:

• Plans, documents, and implements NAHC Trade Compliance Policies and Procedures, as necessary, to ensure compliance with U.S. export and import laws and regulations.
• Provides oversight of all import/export administrative activities related to the Clearfield operations in the U.S. and Mexico.
• With engineering support, conducts jurisdiction and classification analysis of products (against USML/CCL/Schedule B/HTS/Country of Origin/USMCA/FTA) for both imported and exported goods.
• Identifies cost saving opportunities related to free trade agreement preferential duty treatment and other tariff programs.
• Advises Clearfield employees on import and export considerations in product development and marketing. Collaborates on the review and approval of sales proposals for compliance with export laws and regulations.
• Collaborates regularly with stakeholders in Mexico on cross border issues.
• Assists with the administration of FTA, TAA, COO, USMCA and other trade agreement programs along with Buy American Act (BAA) and Build America/Buy American (BABAA) certification programs, coordinating with cross-functional teams.

Compliance Audits and Risk assessment:

• Develops and implements any necessary internal process review mechanisms to assess Trade Compliance levels, including the assigning of any needed corrective actions and all needed follow-up to ensure completion of those corrective actions.
• Conduct self-audits and ensures that Clearfield is well-prepared for regular internal export and import compliance audits. Assists employees on executing corrective action related to self-audits.
• Collaborates on ensuring adherence with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administrations Regulations (EAR), Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), INCOTERMS, etc. Provides guidance on import and/or export related shipments to provide reports and notifications to the U.S. government, as needed.
• Maintain records to ensure proof of compliance.
• Preform Conflict minerals reporting functions as directed or needed.
• Prepare reports and documents for internal and external stakeholders as directed or needed.

• Creates and updates Clearfield’s Trade Compliance Manuals, Policies and Procedures as appropriate.

• Prepares and/or revises compliance related forms and business flowcharts.

• Preform Conflict minerals reporting functions.

• Prepare reports and documents for external regulatory bodies as appropriate.

• Handle all RoHS and REACH customer requests.

Performs other duties as requested or apparent.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related technical degree.
• 3 years direct experience in international / global logistics support services, regulatory affairs, government relations, and distribution operations.
• Business experience in Global business practices, Export Compliance, Physical Distribution processes, and Supply Chain Management.
• Knowledge and experience with Export Regulations and Operations including, but not limited, to U.S. Export Regulations (EAR), Export Licensing, Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), OFAC and U.S. Customs Regulations.
• Ability to interact and influence global, cross-functional teams including customer, suppliers, and service providers.
• Developing analytical ability to analyze trends, find more efficient ways to perform tasks.
• Strong analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to draw conclusions and decisions based on regulatory reasoning.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment and work proactively with various teams across the organization.
• Able to lead, motivate, and manage to accomplish project objectives within timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to articulate and effectively communicate trade compliance information to various levels of non-technical audiences.
• Strong MS Office skills.
• Travel as required (= 10%).

SALARY INFORMATION: $70,453 - $88,066 - $105,680; Bonus eligible position.