Manager, Traffic & Customs

Lee Valley; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent tools and gardening company in Ottawa is seeking a professional to oversee all import and export operations, focusing on Canada / US cross-border trade. The ideal candidate will manage compliance strategies and lead a team to ensure efficient customs operations. Candidates with 5-7 years of experience in international trade and strong analytical skills are encouraged to apply. This role offers significant responsibilities and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 5 - 7 years experience with international trade, customs and transportation management.
• Track record of success with US / Canada cross-border trade.
• CCS – Certified Customs Specialist – designation or equivalent experience required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all import and export operations across global channels.
• Lead compliance strategy with Canadian and International regulations.
• Manage Customs audits and documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Customer Orientation

Education

Post-secondary education in a quantitative field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About Lee Valley

About Lee Valley :

Since 1978, Lee Valley has recognized that for many, woodworking and gardening are more than just hobbies. Lee Valley Tools enjoys a proud history of providing high-quality woodworking, gardening, hobby, hardware, gift and seasonal merchandise to customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on providing quality products and renowned customer service.

Lee Valley has been honored with many prestigious awards, including being recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies. Additionally, we have been ranked #1 for In-Store Experience in Ontario by Leger Marketing Inc.

A position at Lee Valley is more than just a job – we honor the time and dedication that our people give by providing sustained and meaningful employment while striving to provide an environment where learning and development are encouraged.

Position Summary / Job Purpose

Oversee all import and export operations across global channels, with focus on Canada / US cross-border trade.

Lead company compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to Canadian and International regulations, i.e. shipping dangerous goods; CTPAT; obtaining and maintaining import / export licenses as required; US Customs PGA.

Manage Customs audits and maintain, complete compliant documentation and reporting.

Identify opportunities to minimize duty liability and optimize landed cost through Free Trade Agreements and tariff classification strategies.

Lee Valley’s source of expertise with international trade, tariff classification, customs policies & clearing documents. Has finger on pulse of the global trade industry, aware of any, and all changes that may impact Lee Valley Tools.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the seamless execution of our cross-border, import & export operations.
• Lead initiatives that modernize system integration, process improvement and overall supply chain performance.
• Manage and develop a team of customs and transportation specialists, ensuring accuracy, compliance and efficiency in all freight movement, customs filings and declarations. Complete appropriate low-level check-ins with team to ensure accuracy, efficiency and highest quality of output.
• Collaborate with internal logistics, supply chain to support seamless Canadian, US and International product flow.
• Own the carrier contract process. Ensure timely actions to address expiring and / or opportunistic agreements.
• Continuously assess carrier costs & contracts. Establish routines allowing alternate carriers & brokers to bid on business to improve profit and lower costs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with business partners : customs brokers, carriers, regulatory agencies.
• Initiate regular updates to inform internal stakeholders about the risks and opportunities associated with importing products from 40+ countries around the globe.
• Timely processing of customs and transportation invoicing.
• Identify and report on impacts to the business from duty & tariff changes.
• Assess & validate supplier information provided to support US clearing documents for participating government agencies. (PGA) Ensure accurate preparation of customs clearing documents through both manual applications and electronic data interchange. (EDI)
• Provide freight & duty values for new items as sourced by the category management team.
• Fosters, and participates to create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement.

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary education in quantitative field (supply chain, operations, engineering, finance)
• 5 - 7 years experience with international trade, customs and transportation management.
• Track record of success with import and export operations, more specifically in US / Canada cross border trade. Experience in Retail industry an asset.
• Proven leadership skills, managing teams and cross-functional supply chain initiatives.
• CCS – Certified Customs Specialist – designation, or equivalent experience required.
• CTCS – Certified Trade Compliance Specialist – designation beneficial.
• An expert on customs audits, duty-drawback and compliance reporting a must.
• Success leading in a fast paced, ability & experience for sound judgement & decision-making.
• An expert in building and fostering effective & collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Hands on leadership style, with a willingness and ability to “do the work” as well as manage others.
• Strong analytics / data management skills. Ability to streamline complex data into strategic and tactical opportunities.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), presentation, and negotiation skills; ability to influence key stakeholders, through fact-based analysis.
• Shrewd self-teacher of systems and technology.
• Advanced capabilities with Microsoft Tools, excel, power point, etc.

Competencies

• Curious, loves to learn
• Problem solver
• Customer centric
• Metrics Driven
• Collaborator, a natural communicator
• Technology Expertise
• Responsive, Action Oriented

Working Conditions

Occasional, within Ontario & Quebec to visit with broker and carrier partners.