Senior Trade Compliance Specialist (North America)

ABOUT US
tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world's leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions - from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.
Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald's, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
Most importantly, we're a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST
Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.
tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.
At tms we believe that from day one our job is to prepare you, develop you, train you and invest in you so that while with us you will become ready to take on the next challenge better prepared than you thought possible.
So whether you're here for a meeting, a project, or a career - be prepared to Leave Changed.
WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE
The Senior Trade Compliance Specialist (North America) is responsible for managing day to day operations & activities to ensure our products that flow across international borders are compliant with Customs regulatory requirements for the United States & Canada and established internal policies and procedures. The scope of work includes determining product classifications & valuation, maintaining IML (Item Master Lists), post-entry audits, annual CTPAT & PIP self-assessments, and staying up to date with the ever-changing landscape of trade regulations, tariffs, and sanctions imposed by various countries. If you have a passion for the detail and are a functional expert in the areas of HTS classification, customs valuation and country of origin validation, then this opportunity is for you!
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ORGANIZATION
Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day management of import and export shipments by providing frontline support for daily customs compliance operations, resolving issues, and ensure on time customs clearance of products
• Support trade & product development activities, including restShricted party screening, country of origin verification, and valuation compliance.
• Ensure our import and export Standard Operating Procedures manual is current & up to date
• Maintain compliant recordkeeping as outlined within company procedures
• Classify goods using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), Schedule B, and Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN). Ensure proper classification and origin determination for imported and exported goods, including non-commercial goods. Maintain HTS and Schedule B product code databases
• Monitor global regulatory changes (e.g., new OFAC sanctions or updated EU Export Controls) and update internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) accordingly.
• Support leadership with the strategic & operational relationship management of our 3PL Customs Broker partners. Act as the primary point of contact for customs request for information or import process delays.
• Compliance team Project Lead for our annual self-audit & reporting requirements to maintain our membership in C-TPAT, Customs Compliance & PIP trusted trader programs
• Conduct daily & weekly audits of import/export records. Ensure findings are shared and key learnings implemented to resolve lapses in process with our customs brokers, partners or internal staff.
• Maintain Key compliance operational metrics & strategic (KPIs) for reporting to leadership.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE
Education & Industry Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 8+ years of work experience at a Shipper/Importer, Customs Broker or Legal firm working with customs &/or trade compliance functions; specifically, HTS Classification, Valuation, Country of Origin & Marking, Audit, CTPAT / PIP, engagement with CBP &/or CBSA
• Solid knowledge of the principles of international trade and transportation logistics - the operations of product movement and intersection with compliance & risk management
• Working knowledge of INCOTERMS
• Customs Broker License or other industry Compliance Certifications are a plus
• Familiarity with Free Trade Agreements (USMCA is a plus).

Systems & Technology

• Experience working with Excel and standard Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience with Excel advanced skills including V-lookup, PIVOT tables or BI tools is a plus.
• Solid Experience with ACE portal reporting and related compliance tools
• Experience with utilizing GTM (Global Trade Management) software is a plus

Business & Interpersonal Skills

• Analytical skills with acute attention to detail required
• Effective communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Self-starter, adaptable and can work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to balance multiple priorities simultaneously and manage time appropriately
• Able to work well under pressure with time-constraints
• Possess strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills

Starting salary between $100,000 to 110,000 k base. Plus, 5% potential bonus.
TOTAL REWARDS
Our total rewards philosophy integrates programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, corporate culture, corporate citizenship and work-life balance. While individual program components may differ by country, some things remain constant:

• Our commitment to rewarding results
• Opportunities to work with talented and driven individuals at every level of our company who respect each other, treat each other fairly and hold one another accountable for our customers'-and our company's-success

There's more ...

• Generous medical, dental, vision and other great benefits
• Paid parental and medical leave programs
• 401(k) with a company match component and profit sharing
• 15 days of paid time off plus company holidays
• Hybrid work model
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance
• Inclusive employee resource groups

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
RECRUITING AGENCIES
tms does not accept agency resumes submitted by third-party vendors unless a valid agreement has been signed and the tms Talent Acquisition Team has granted authorization for submissions for a specified position. Please do not submit or forward resumes to our site, tms employees, or any other company location. tms is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
If you have any questions about the job, we are open to discussing this role further, so please feel free to get in touch. #LI-Hybrid
Nearest Major Market: Chicago