Trade Compliance Specialist

Finning Canada; Surrey; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction equipment dealer in Canada is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist. The role focuses on managing trade compliance operations, improving processes, and liaising with stakeholders. Candidates should have a degree in international trade and at least 5 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical and decision-making skills are essential. The position offers a permanent contract with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities upon request

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years in customs, trade compliance, export controls, and duty recovery.
• Training in BIS regulations is beneficial.
• Licensed Customs Broker is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Implement, maintain, and audit trade compliance programs.
• Act as a liaison between vendors and government agencies.
• Manage HS classification processes for parts and equipment.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills

Detail-oriented

Strong decision-making and analytical skills

Education

Diploma or degree in international trade, logistics, business, or similar

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

Company: Finning Canada

Number of Openings: 1

Worker Type: Permanent

Position Overview: Reporting to the Manager, Trade Compliance, this position is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and auditing programs, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with import and export laws and regulations. Responsibilities include managing trade compliance data and process improvements, duty recovery and minimization, creating and managing the HS and ECCN classification process, and providing daily operational support.

This role acts as a liaison between vendors, government agencies, and Finning stakeholders; owns duty recovery projects, and collaborates on operational duties related to import and export.

Job Description:

Major Job Responsibilities:

Process improvements, controls, and data management: 60%

• Act as Finning’s resource for import and export-related topics for internal stakeholders.
• Review, audit, and implement trade compliance processes and procedures for Finning and its subsidiaries (OEM, Sitech, Power Systems).
• Represent Finning as a liaison with external stakeholders (Customs brokers, carriers, CBSA, CBP, etc.).
• Enforce trade compliance policies across all entities.
• Create USMCA certification and review processes for remanufactured goods.
• Manage HS classification processes for parts, attachments, and equipment.
• Analyze import/export databases for data integrity errors.
• Audit part descriptions and HS codes for accuracy.
• Update customs brokerage system data for efficiency and compliance.
• Assist in managing the Controls Goods Program, including security requirements review.
• Manage the CARM system for all Finning entities.
• Review valuation issues and advise accordingly.
• Manage Health Canada Precursor Registration and licenses.
• Coordinate customs bonds and payments.
• Review and improve customs processes for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Stay current with customs regulations and advise stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Caterpillar and vendors to reduce import costs and manage FTA mitigation.
• Assist with import/export licenses and permits.
• Handle other emerging priorities as needed.

Duty recovery and minimization: 20%

• Review customs data and import/export history for duty mitigation and recovery opportunities.
• Analyze parts import database for duty recovery potential.
• Collaborate with Caterpillar and customs consultants on duty recovery projects.
• Manage sales and duty deferral programs for parts.
• Ensure proper documentation for end-use and duty relief programs.

Daily operational support: 20%

• Create and manage import/export documents and perform export screening.
• Coordinate shipments with government agencies, carriers, and internal teams.
• Quote costs and advise on import/export compliance.
• Assist with ETA processing, RIV, and Temporary Import Bonds.
• Provide guidance on government regulations and compliance.
• Review and approve vendor invoices.
• Support export controls and reporting systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Accountability:

• Serve as HS and ECCN subject matter expert and compliance champion.
• Ensure compliance levels are met.
• Achieve cost savings through duty recovery and minimization.
• Maintain and improve export database quality.
• Manage KPIs including on-time clearance.

Education & Experience:

• Diploma or degree in international trade, logistics, business, or similar.
• Certifications such as Customs Specialist or Trade Compliance are preferred.
• 5-10+ years in customs, trade compliance, export controls, and duty recovery.
• Training in BIS regulations is beneficial.
• Experience with CARM, Single Window, and vehicle emission regulations is a plus.
• Experience in writing rulings and with US regulations is an asset.
• Licensed Customs Broker is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Power BI.

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of export control regulations (US and Canada).
• Understanding of environmental and transportation regulations.
• Strong supply chain and logistics knowledge.
• Familiarity with USMCA and Canadian Free Trade Agreements.
• Solid understanding of HS tariff, ECL, and ECCN classifications.
• Knowledge of supply chain security programs.
• Business and financial acumen.
• Experience with duty recovery and end-use certificates.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills.
• Detail-oriented with a sense of urgency.
• Strong decision-making and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and training abilities.
• Collaborative team player.
• High ethical standards and confidence.
• Change management skills.
• Research and impact communication skills.

At Finning, we value diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants of all backgrounds. We provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities upon request.