Import/ Export Compliance Specialist

Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist

About the Opportunity

Our client is an innovative manufacturing organization that develops advanced interior and exterior lighting solutions for the automotive and electronics industries. Focused on innovation, technology, and continuous improvement, the company is helping shape the future of mobility through cutting-edge lighting applications that enhance safety, functionality, and design. The organization values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth, offering employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building rewarding careers in a dynamic and evolving industry.

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Position Overview

The Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist will be responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. import, export, and international trade regulations. This role will support customs compliance activities, trade programs, duty management initiatives, and the development of internal compliance procedures. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of trade regulations and work cross-functionally with logistics, purchasing, finance, customer service, and sales teams to mitigate risk and support operational efficiency.

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Key Responsibilities

Import & Customs Compliance

- Classify imported automotive lighting products, components, raw materials, and other items under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
- Research HTS classifications and maintain appropriate supporting documentation.
- Review and validate classifications provided by suppliers, customs brokers, and other third parties.
- Determine and maintain accurate country-of-origin information.
- Review customs entries, commercial invoices, valuations, and other import documentation for accuracy.
- Manage relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
- Research and resolve customs entry issues, classification questions, and CBP inquiries.
- Monitor changes in tariffs, HTS provisions, trade remedies, and other regulations that may impact imports.
- Identify opportunities to reduce duties and improve landed costs while maintaining compliance.
- Support customs audits and maintain documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance.

Export Compliance

- Support the organization's export compliance program for products shipped internationally.
- Review export documentation and assist with determining when export licenses or other requirements may apply.
- Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, and customers to resolve export compliance issues.

Duty Management & Trade Programs

- Develop a working understanding of duty drawback and identify opportunities where the organization may benefit.
- Evaluate opportunities for duty reduction, tariff mitigation, preferential trade programs, and other legitimate cost-saving strategies.
- Support USMCA and other applicable free trade/preferential trade programs.
- Monitor duty exposure and communicate significant changes or opportunities to leadership.
- Assist Finance and Logistics teams with understanding the financial impact of tariffs and trade regulations.

Compliance Program Development

- Establish and maintain written trade compliance procedures and work instructions.
- Maintain accurate classification and country-of-origin master data.
- Conduct periodic reviews of product classifications and trade transactions.
- Develop internal controls to reduce customs and export compliance risk.
- Provide training and guidance to employees involved in purchasing, logistics, sales, and international transactions.
- Stay current on changes to U.S. customs and export regulations and communicate relevant updates throughout the organization.
- Identify compliance risks and recommend practical corrective actions.

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Qualifications

Required Qualifications

- 3+ years of hands-on experience in U.S. customs, import/export, or international trade compliance.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience with HTS classification.
- Understanding of U.S. Customs requirements, including classification, country of origin, customs valuation, and entry documentation.
- Working knowledge of U.S. export control requirements.
- Experience working with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Ability to interpret regulations and apply them to products and transactions.
- Exceptional attention to detail and documentation practices.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of compliance initiatives.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in automotive, electronics, or other manufacturing environments.
- Experience with duty drawback programs.
- Experience with tariff mitigation and duty reduction strategies.
- Experience with USMCA and other preferential trade programs.
- Experience with ACE and customs broker entry systems.
- Experience responding to CBP inquiries.
- Experience working with ERP systems and product master data.
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification or similar trade compliance credential.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.

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Benefits & Perks

- Competitive compensation package
- Comprehensive benefits program
- 401(k) with company match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee discount programs
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Inclusive and collaborative work environment
- Exposure to innovative technologies and industry-leading projects
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sparta, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $110000.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Sparta,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.