Associate Director, Import Trade Compliance & Customs

Subaru; Camden, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Plans

Pension, 401K Match

Vacation days and holidays

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Vehicle Discount Programs

Job summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is seeking a senior leader to direct the import trade compliance program and CBP interactions from its Camden, NJ base. You will steer compliance with CBP regulations and PGA requirements and oversee programs for duty optimization and audit readiness.

The role partners with Legal, Tax, Finance, and Sales to ensure regulatory alignment and maintains Subaru’s status as a low-risk importer under C-TPAT, while driving continuous improvement across processes and controls.

Qualifications

• Current on latest customs compliance laws and initiatives.
• Working knowledge of C-TPAT program requirements.
• Knowledge of customs brokerage operations (entry filing) to manage self-filing and data transmission to CBP.
• Ability to effectively lead operational/personnel changes.
• Ability to communicate with employees at all levels and with government officials.
• Ability to negotiate and manage external consulting contracts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. Customs Broker License is required.

Responsibilities

• Leads and provides strategic direction of the administration of the company's customs and import compliance activities.
• Establishes procedures and implements changes to meet current compliance demands and regulatory updates.
• Develops strategy for duty optimization programs (FSFE, duty drawback, FTZ) and supports execution.
• Defines KPI framework and vendor/software strategy for customs operations and compliance.
• Designs internal audit roadmap and maintains audit documentation controls.
• Drives cross-functional collaboration with Tax, Finance, Product Design, and other functions.
• Represents Subaru in CBP and maintains its low-risk importer status.

Skills

Latest customs laws

C-TPAT knowledge

Customs brokerage ops

Leadership

Communication skills

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

SUMMARY

Directs and controls the company's overall import trade compliance strategy with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and interaction with participating government agencies (PGA) such as Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), etc. Ensures that all imported vehicles and parts, etc. are properly classified, valued, and entered according to CBP regulations and that the appropriate duty and taxes are paid. Works with executive stakeholders throughout Subaru of America (SOA) Legal, Aftersales, Tax, Finance, and Sales. Leads tariff mitigation strategies at SOA, while maintaining strict compliance. Additionally, manages the company's compliance within the Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Cargo Security Program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and provides strategic direction of the administration of the company's customs and import compliance activities to support our commitment to comply with evolving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and programs.
• Establishes procedures and implements change or enhancements to meet the current business and compliance demands. Interprets and implements strategic direction based on executive orders and Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) updates, assessing and minimizing risk to Subaru of America (SOA). Stays abreast of regulatory changes and provides updates and guidance to senior leadership, while working closely with Finance, Legal, and other internal stakeholders.
• Develops strategy and directs the implementation of duty optimization programs such as: First Sale for Export (FSFE), duty drawback, temporary import/export programs, and Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ). Oversees and supports Customs Operations Manager on execution.
• Defines key performance indicator (KPI) framework and performance standards across customs operations and compliance. Establishes broker and software strategy, selection, and contractual performance expectations.
  Serves as authority on customs planning, classification, country of origin, valuation, special programs, and partner government agency requirements. Optimizes use of Free/Preferential Trade Agreements (FTA/PTA) and manages the impact of trade remedies (International Emergency Economic Powers Act [IEEPA], Sections 232 & 301, antidumping, countervailing duties).
• Designs and directs the internal audit roadmap for entry data. Conducts root-cause analyses on any filing discrepancies, and authors draft prior disclosures or post-summary corrections when required. Establishes and maintains robust recordkeeping and audit documentation controls, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and internal policies while supporting audit readiness.
• Drives cross-functional collaboration and alignment with key stakeholders across Tax, Finance, Product Design, and other business functions to ensure integration of trade compliance considerations into business operations.
• Establishes and manages SOA/Subaru Corporation (SBR) business operations to monitor cargo security procedures and establish new procedures and policies as needed. Represents the company's best interest in communicating with CBP and works to maintain SOA's standing as a "low risk" importer with favored Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) membership status. Maintains ownership and leadership over this program.
• Supports programs and controls to comply with Forced Labor Act requirements to prevent products mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part with forced labor from entering the United States. Works with SBR on traceability initiatives for compliance purposes, such as Certificate of Origin (COO), Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD), etc.
  Additional Responsibilities

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads SOA's Annual Notification Letter to CBP on annual basis as part of C-TPAT Program.
• Maintains and updates SOA’s Import Compliance Manual on annual basis.
• Works with SOA Export Compliance team on joint initiatives; knowledge of Export Compliance is a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS & PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Current on latest customs compliance laws and initiatives.

• Working knowledge of Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program requirements.

• Knowledge of customs brokerage operations (entry filing) to manage self-filing function, including programming requirements needed to properly transmit import data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

• Ability to effectively lead operational/personnel changes as needed.

• Ability to communicate with employees at all levels of the company, as well as with government officials.

• Ability to negotiate and manage external consulting contracts.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• U.S. Customs Broker License, Required

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree required with 10-12 years of work experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Office Location: Camden, NJ apart of the Greater Philadelphia Area (Philly)

• Hybrid Role: Hybrid Role - Remote work 2 days per week (after 90 days) [Wednesdays & Fridays]

• Travel: 10% Domestic

COMPENSATION:

The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $175,000 - $200,000 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Additionally, this role is bonus-eligible, with a target bonus percentage that provides an opportunity to earn even more based on your performance.(Internal Job Grade: D1)

WHY JOIN US?

In addition to competitive salary, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes:

Total Rewards & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans

• Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings

• 15 Vacation days, 5 Floating Holidays, 5 Sick days, and 9 Company Holidays

• Tuition Reimbursement Program: $15,000 yearly benefit

• Vehicle Discount Programs

Learning & Development:

• Professional growth and development opportunities

• Direct partnership with senior leadership

• Formal Mentorship Program

• LinkedIn Learning License

Visit our careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.

ABOUT SUBARU

Love. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru®. As a leading auto brand in the US, we strive to be More Than a Car Company®. Subaru believes in being a positive force in the communities in which we live and work, not just with donations but with actions that set an example for others to follow. That’s what we call our Subaru Love Promise®.

Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. With a rich history dating back to 1953, Subaru has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering to deliver vehicles that offer not only exceptional performance but also a unique blend of utility and adventure.

Subaru's company culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for our product. We foster an inclusive environment that encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Our team members are driven by a common goal: to create exceptional vehicles that inspire and delight our customers.