Customs Manager

Badger Sportswear - Statesville, NC

Full-time - Mid Level

Statesville, NC

Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers

About the position

The Customs Manager at Badger Sportswear is responsible for overseeing and managing the import and export operations, ensuring compliance with all customs regulations. This role involves preparing and submitting necessary documentation, liaising with government agencies, coordinating with shipping teams, maintaining accurate records, and providing excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of customs laws, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders to manage the company’s global supply chain efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire process of importing and exporting goods, including preparing and submitting necessary documentation.
• Stay up-to-date with customs laws and regulations, classifying goods according to customs codes, determining duty rates, and ensuring appropriate licenses and permits are obtained.
• Act as an intermediary between importers/exporters and customs authorities, resolving issues and ensuring compliance.
• Coordinate with shipping and logistics teams to ensure timely and efficient transportation of goods and facilitate customs clearance processes.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of import and export activities, ensuring all required documentation is properly filed and archived.
• Stay informed about changes in trade agreements, tariff rates, customs procedures, and other relevant information impacting import and export activities.
• Interact with clients, importers, exporters, and various stakeholders, providing prompt and professional customer service.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other relevant agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA) for all imports/exports.
• Develop and maintain customs policies and procedures, ensuring all international shipments adhere to legal requirements.
• Manage the classification of goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), ensuring proper duty rates and tariff codes are applied.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including supply chain, logistics, legal, and finance, to resolve issues related to customs delays, audits, and import/export documentation.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all customs documentation, including entry summaries, bills of lading, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin.
• Monitor changes in trade regulations and tariffs, advising senior management on potential impacts to the business.
• Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other logistics partners to ensure timely and accurate customs clearance.
• Lead initiatives to optimize and improve customs processes, focusing on cost reduction, compliance, and efficiency.
• Ensure the proper use of free trade agreements (e.g., USMCA) and preferential trade programs to minimize duties.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on customs regulations and compliance best practices.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid customs broker license is mandatory.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor's degree in business, logistics, international trade, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of customs laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing and completing various documents.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, capable of handling multiple shipments and tasks simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with clients, customs authorities, shipping agents, and government agencies.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to analyze complex customs laws and regulations, classify goods accurately, and address challenges during the customs clearance process.
• Proficiency in using customs software and systems for electronic documentation, tracking shipments, and processing customs declarations.
• Previous experience in customs brokerage, international trade, or related fields is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including customs software and systems, is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of international trade, logistics, and supply chain management is beneficial.
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and verbal, is essential; proficiency in additional languages is beneficial for dealing with clients from various countries.
• 5+ years of experience in customs management, trade compliance, or a related role, preferably within the apparel industry.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and international customs regulations, tariff schedules, and free trade agreements.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in the apparel, retail, or consumer goods sectors.
• Knowledge of duty drawback programs and trade-related cost-saving strategies.
• Familiarity with global logistics and supply chain processes.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance
• FSA
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, and Paid Sick Time
• 401(k) Plan, with annual Company Contribution
• Discounts on Momentec Brands products
• Clean work environment with a casual dress code, no uniforms!