Customs Compliance & Import Operations Manager

This role is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of import and export shipments, customs clearance, bonded movements, and related coordination, ensuring full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, and duty-free procedures.

The position plays a critical role in customs compliance, cargo release, bonded warehouse and FTZ coordination, and end-to-end documentation management, working closely with internal teams and external partners, including licensed customs brokers where required.

Key Responsibilities:

CBP Forms, Customs Compliance, and Government Agency Coordination:

• Manage end-to-end customs clearance activities to ensure compliance with CBP regulations and applicable PGA requirements.
• Prepare, transmit, and file import and export transactions through ABI (including Questa Web), including CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) and required entry data.
• Prepare and manage bonded and FTZ documentation, including CBP Form 7512 (Transportation Entry & Manifest) and CBP Form 214 (FTZ Admission), supporting FTZ, bonded warehouse, and domestic bonded movements as required.
• Review and validate commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, delivery notes, and support documentation to ensure accuracy prior to submission.
• Determine and verify HTS classification, country of origin, valuation, admissibility, and duty-free / bonded eligibility, escalating to licensed brokers or compliance leadership as required.
• Accurately calculate duties, taxes, and applicable fees; coordinate payments and cargo release activities to support timely clearance.
• Communicate with CBP and PGAs to resolve holds, exams, and documentation discrepancies; drive resolution to minimize delays.
• Maintain compliant records for import/export and bonded/FTZ activity; support audits, internal reviews, and regulatory requirements.

Logistics and Shipping Coordination:

• Schedule and coordinate inbound and outbound shipments for import, export, and bonded movements (ocean and domestic truck), including container arrivals, bonded transport, pickup, and final delivery.
• Liaise with carriers, freight forwarders, FTZs, bonded warehouses, and internal stakeholders to ensure on-time movement and accurate documentation flow.
• Track shipment status, bonded status, and releases; update internal systems and provide proactive status updates.
• Coordinate post-release activity with warehouse teams, including pickup scheduling, receiving processes, and documentation attachment and retention in SAP and internal filing systems.

Client and Stakeholder Liaison:

• Act as a liaison between the company, vendors, carriers, freight forwarders, licensed customs brokers, customs authorities, FTZs, bonded warehouses, and government agencies.
• Partner cross-functionally with warehouse, sales, and accounting teams to obtain required documentation, approvals, and shipment readiness.

Experience and Qualifications:

• 5–10 years of experience in customs brokerage support, trade compliance, bonded warehouse/FTZ operations, or international logistics.
• Direct experience handling imports of spirits and tobacco products required, including familiarity with regulatory, duty, and PGA considerations specific to these commodities.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. import/export compliance requirements, including classification, valuation, country of origin, admissibility, and duty-free/bonded processes.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with ABI filing platforms, specifically Questa Web, and familiarity with the ACE environment.
• Experience coordinating with licensed customs brokers (license not required for this role).
• Familiarity with PGA requirements, including FDA and other agencies relevant to spirits, alcohol, and tobacco products.
• Experience working with SAP and internal documentation/recordkeeping systems; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience with transportation or logistics management systems (TMS) is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple processes simultaneously.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for coordination with internal teams, carriers, forwarders, and government agencies.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a proactive compliance mindset.
• High level of accountability, consistency, and reliability.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach in a cross-functional environment.
• Strong follow-through, documentation discipline, and comfort working with multiple stakeholders.