Customs Lead

Eaton; Ciudad Juárez; On-site; MXN 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton’s IS AER ITD division seeks a Customs Lead in Mexico to lead import/export operations and drive compliance across Mexican and international trade regulations. You will develop a high-performing team, oversee key reporting, and govern trade policies to mitigate risk while aligning with Eaton standards.

You will collaborate with regional managers and COE experts to optimize classification, FTAs, and VAT certification processes, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Commerce, Customs, Trade Compliance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• 5–7 years in Trade Compliance, Customs, Import/Export Operations, or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Oversee import and export operations with full compliance oversight.
• Lead and develop a team; manage reporting activities and policy governance.
• Coordinate with COE and supervisors on classification, FTAs, and VAT compliance.
• Ensure adherence to IMMEX, USMCA/FTA programs, and Mexican customs regulations.
• Identify compliance risks and implement corrective action plans.

Skills

Trade Compliance

Import/Export Operations

Leadership

Risk Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Commerce/Business Administration

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Eaton’s IS AER ITD division located at Calle de los Cirios #12821,Parque Indistrial Valle Bonito, Tijuana CP 22250 is currently seeking a Customs Lead.

What You’ll Do

Are you passionate about international trade, compliance, and leading high-performing teams? Join us as a Customs Lead and play a critical role in ensuring our business operates with the highest standards of compliance across Mexico's customs and international trade regulations.

In this impactful leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing import and export operations, ensuring full compliance with customs regulations, and driving excellence in trade management. As the Customs Lead, you will lead and develop a talented team, enhance productivity, manage key reporting activities, and govern trade policies that support our business objectives while mitigating risk.

You will collaborate closely with the Mexico GTM Manager, US GTM Manager, and VAT Certification Manager, aligning local initiatives with broader strategic goals. Your expertise will be essential in identifying, escalating, and resolving customs-related challenges while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

• Ensure being in compliance with reporting management including among others:
• Annual IMMEX report
• Annex 30 Monthly presentation
• Monthly Presentation of INEGI reports
• Administrate USMCA and FTA programs
• Sub-manufacturer reports
• Customs broker billing reports.
• Balance Score card
• VAT and OEA / CTPAT certification Self-Assesment/ maintenance
• Supplier audits
• IMMEX compliance Self-Assessment: Profile update and certification
• MLA Annual Report and ITAR compliance management
• Value Reconciliation
• Creating internal procedures needed to enhance the import and export trade operation to ensure the business being in compliance with the international customs regulations; align those procedures with Eaton standards.
• Provides analytical support to implement processes and procedures for new international activity including acquisitions, initiatives and projects
• Communicate policy, procedures and economic issues that affect the business. Assist in providing training, advice and guidance to other internal areas as necessary
• Coordinate with the COE (VAT and GTM) supervisor and serve as the local liaison providing insight and assistance to fellow COE subject matter experts about classification, FTA’s and VAT certification compliance
• Ensure the correct applicability of Governmental programs
• Stay up-to-date with the Law and other customs regulations applicable to import and export trade operation
• Assure that the business is in full compliance with Mexican and International Customs Law and
• Customs Regulations including:
• Accurate open customs balance
• Administrate and supervise the Annex 24 Software
• Administrate ANNEX 30 (VAT Tax Credit Reports)
• Implement new import/export rules published at any time by the authority
• Have the temporary fixed asset inventory under control
• Ensure the proper application of Export Licenses
• Assure the proper procedures for the US Reconciliation
• Accurate & timely processing of Machinery & equipment transitions
• Accurate & timely processing of virtual import/exports operation
• Ensure the proper recordkeeping based on the current customs regulations on import and export transactions and Free-Trade Agreements
• Staff management including: Career development, Performance management (Talent Hub etc.) Organizational development
• Able to identify compliance problems and respond with appropriate actions; identify people needed to resolve compliance problems and collaborate to develop corrective action plans.
• Visitor Management (Trade Compliance)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Commerce, Customs, Trade Compliance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• A master's degree in a related discipline is considered a plus
• 5-7 years of experience in Trade Compliance, Customs, Import/Export Operations, or related areas, including the administration of special trade programs and initiatives that drive operational efficiencies, cost savings, and business value.
• Proven experience ensuring compliance with import/export regulations, customs requirements, corporate policies, and industry best practices.
• Strong knowledge and hands‑on experience with IMMEX Program Administration and Mexican customs regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with significant decision‑making responsibility within a highly matrixed global organization.
• Adaptable and resilient professional with the ability to navigate evolving priorities, regulatory changes, and business needs while maintaining a strong focus on results.
• Strong leadership capabilities, including team development, stakeholder management, and the ability to influence across functions and organizational levels.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish required.

All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.