Customs Consulting and Compliance Specialist

R+L Global Logistics; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AFC International is seeking a Customs Consulting and Compliance Specialist for a full-time, on-site role across GA, FL, OH/KY. You will promote our customs brokerage services, engage potential clients, and schedule appointments with the Customs Consulting & Compliance Manager.

Ideal candidates have strong regulatory knowledge, excellent communication, and proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; Bachelor Degree in International Business/Trade or similar is preferred.
• CCS certification or US Customs Broker license preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• 2+ years in customs consultancy, import/export operations or related field.
• Experience with video conferencing (WebEx/Zoom).
• Familiar with Cargowise Customs & Compliance software a plus.
• Strong knowledge of US Customs regulations and PGA requirements.
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences and deliver engaging presentations.
• Excellent data research and analytical skills.
• Strong negotiation and client closing abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Promote AFC International’s customs and trade consulting services to potential clients.
• Identify and reach out to prospective clients via phone, email, and social channels.
• Build and maintain client relationships; tailor solutions to client needs.
• Convey benefits and competitive advantages of our brokerage services to prospects.
• Consult with new importers on US Customs and PGA regulations.
• Provide U.S. Customs clearance guidance to existing and prospective customers.
• Schedule appointments for meetings with the Customs Consulting & Compliance Manager.
• Stay updated on trends, regulations, CBP and PGA programs.
• Maintain regular attendance to ensure workflow and productivity.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Skills

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Sales outreach

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor degree in International Business/Trade

Tools

Cargowise

WebEx

Zoom

MS Office

Job description

Role Description

The Customs Consulting and Compliance Specialist is a full-time, on-site role based in multiple locations: GA, FL, OH/KY. This position is responsible for promoting our customs brokerage services, engaging potential clients, and scheduling appointments with the Customs Consulting & Compliance Manager. The Customs Consulting & Compliance Specialist must be capable of interfacing with all levels of a client environment from senior executive management to operational employees, and able to build, maintain and grow relationships with clients. Strong regulatory, analytical, financial, business communication, and organizational skills are required while meeting all consulting deliverables.

Qualifications

• Support selling of consulting engagements and promote AFC International as the leader in Customs and Trade consulting services.
• Identify and reach out to potential clients through various channels, including phone calls, emails, and social media.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs in order to provide tailored solutions.
• Effectively communicate the benefits, features and competitive advantages of our customs brokerage services to potential clients.
• Consult with new importers on U.S. Customs and PGA regulations.
• Provide U.S. Customs Clearance guidance in response to existing and prospect customer questions.
• Book appointments for potential clients to meet with the Customs Consulting & Compliance Manager for detailed consultations.
• Keep current with developing trends, new regulations and CBP or PGA programs
• Regular and reliable attendance, with or without reasonable accommodation, is an essential function of this position and is crucial for maintaining workflow and productivity.
• The above job functions are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may be asked to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Qualification, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High School Diploma or GED; Bachelor Degree in International Business/Trade, Supply Chain Management, or other relevant academic discipline and/or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification and/or US Customs Broker license or have the ability to obtain either within 1 year of employment.
• 2+ years of experience in customs consultancy, import/export operations and compliance or a related field (international trade, customs brokerage, or supply chain management).
• Experience using Video Conferencing platforms (e.g., WebEx, Zoom).
• Experience using Cargowise Customs & Compliance software a plus.
• In-depth and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of customs brokerage operations, U.S. Customs regulations, trade procedures, customs clearance activities, filing customs entries, tariff classifications, valuations, and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements.
• Proficiency in using resources and platforms for research; Familiarity with reliable sources of data, including internal systems, government databases, industry publications, and academic resources.
• Ability to connect with diverse audiences and communicate complex concepts and our company services clearly and in an influential manner tailored to the audience.
• Ability to create and deliver engaging presentations to captivate and maintain audience interest using various tools and techniques.
• Ability to answer existing, prospect and new customer inquiries while exuding a high level of customer service.
• Ability to gather appropriate data, perform analysis, identify gaps and make recommendations.
• Strong negotiation skills to close deals and secure business.
• Ability to persuade and influence potential clients to make purchasing decisions.
• Ability to problem-solve and manage complex transactional and emotional customer situations promptly and professionally while achieving commitments for service and assistance.
• Strong organizational and detail skills with ability to manage deadlines, prioritize workload and adapt to changes to meet business needs and customer expectations.
• Proficient in utilizing various technology platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and video conferencing tools (WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently; bi-lingual Spanish a plus.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance, with or without reasonable accommodation.