Senior Manager, Canada Customs & Trade Compliance - 63711531410

somewhere; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Senior Canada Customs Specialist will lead day-to-day import compliance across the organization, focusing on accurate classification, valuation, and origin determinations. The role requires 8+ years of Canadian import experience, strong stakeholder collaboration with brokers, carriers, and government authorities, and a proactive approach to process improvements and regulatory changes.

Experience with CBSA audits and experience with Descartes is a plus; a Canadian Customs Broker license is

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional customs experience
• Significant Canadian import expertise
• Strong knowledge of Canadian customs regulations and import compliance requirements
• Experience with tariff classification, valuation, country-of-origin and documentation
• Experience supporting customs audits and regulatory requests

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day Canadian import customs compliance
• Process and review customs entries and supporting documentation
• Ensure accurate classification, valuation, and origin of imports
• Collaborate with brokers and stakeholders to resolve issues
• Support CBSA audits and regulatory requests

Skills

Canadian imports

Customs compliance

Tariff classification

Customs valuation

Country of origin

CBSA knowledge

Customs entries

Excel

Descartes

CCS certification

Canadian Customs Broker license

Tools

Descartes

Job description

Senior Customs Specialist/ Senior Manager (CANADA)

Compensation

Compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit.

About the Company

We are a boutique freight forwarding and customs brokerage company serving clients across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and international markets.

The company combines transportation, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage services with a highly hands-on approach to client relationships and operational execution.

This is an opportunity to join a close-knit organization where experienced professionals have significant ownership over their work and contribute directly to the continued success of the business.

Role Overview

The Senior Canada Customs Specialist will play a key role in managing Canadian import customs compliance across the organization.

This is a senior, hands-on customs position responsible for day-to-day customs entries, compliance, documentation, regulatory requirements, audits, and process improvement.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years of professional customs experience, significant Canadian import expertise, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work confidently with internal teams, carriers, suppliers, customs stakeholders, and government authorities.

A customs broker license is preferred, while professional customs/trade certification and experience with relevant customs systems are strong advantages.

Key Responsibilities

Canadian Customs Operations

• Manage and oversee day-to-day Canadian import customs compliance activities.
• Key and process customs entries accurately and efficiently.
• Ensure imported goods are properly classified, valued, and documented.
• Review customs entries and supporting documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage customs entry processes and work closely with customs brokers and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate customs records and documentation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies or issues affecting customs clearance.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Monitor changes to Canadian customs regulations and assess their impact on the business.
• Ensure compliance with Canadian import requirements and applicable customs regulations.
• Support customs audits, reviews, and requests for information from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
• Identify customs compliance risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Support internal and external customs audits and ensure findings are addressed appropriately.
• Help maintain effective customs compliance procedures, controls, and documentation.

Classification, Valuation & Trade Compliance

• Apply strong knowledge of tariff classification, customs valuation, and country-of-origin requirements.
• Review documentation to identify potential compliance concerns.
• Monitor customs-related costs, duties, and other import charges.
• Identify opportunities to improve compliance, accuracy, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Ensure customs documentation and entries accurately reflect applicable requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement, Logistics, Finance, Operations, and other internal teams to resolve customs-related issues.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on Canadian import requirements and customs procedures.
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for complex Canadian customs matters.
• Communicate effectively with customs brokers, carriers, suppliers, clients, and government authorities as required.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of customs processes and workflows.

Hard Skills

• 8+ years of professional customs experience, with significant experience in Canadian imports.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian customs regulations and import compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with customs entries and customs entry processes.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Tariff classification
  • Customs valuation
  • Country-of-origin requirements
  • Canadian import regulations
  • Customs documentation
  • Customs compliance procedures
• Experience supporting customs audits, reviews, and regulatory requests.
• Experience working with customs brokers and other logistics stakeholders.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Experience with Descartes is a bonus.
• CCS certification is highly valued.
• Canadian Customs Broker licensing is preferred.

Soft Skills

• Highly analytical and detail-oriented.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong problem-solving and judgment.
• Able to work independently on complex customs matters.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to accuracy and regulatory detail.
• Able to explain complex customs requirements clearly to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Professional, collaborative, and dependable.

About the Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned Canadian customs professional who can independently manage complex import requirements and serve as a trusted source of customs expertise within the organization.

They should have substantial hands-on experience with Canadian customs entries, import compliance, classification, valuation, origin, and CBSA requirements.

A Canadian Customs Broker license is preferred, but not mandatory. Candidates with CCS certification and/or Descartes experience will be particularly attractive.

The right person will combine deep technical knowledge with sound judgment, strong communication, and the ability to work collaboratively across a boutique logistics environment.

Why This Role Matters

This is a critical role within the Customs Department. The successful candidate will provide experienced oversight of Canadian import customs activities, help maintain strong regulatory compliance, and bring the subject-matter expertise needed to support the business and its clients as it continues to grow.