Customs Specialist

HL Mando America Corporation; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

HL Mando America Corporation in the United States seeks a Customs Specialist to ensure import/export activities comply with regulations and trade agreements. You will manage documentation, HTS classification, and coordination with brokers and government agencies to support efficient cross-border operations.

The role involves assisting in purchasing planning, maintaining records, and monitoring regulatory changes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker required or equivalent certification if outside the U.S.
• 2–5 years in customs compliance, international logistics, or trade management.
• Experience with brokers, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies.
• CPM or CPSM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure import/export transactions comply with customs laws and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare, review, and submit commercial invoices, packing lists and origin certificates.
• Classify goods using HTS codes and calculate duties and taxes.
• Coordinate with brokers, forwarders, and agencies for timely clearance.
• Maintain records for audit and compliance purposes.
• Monitor regulatory changes to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Conduct internal audits and implement process improvements.
• Support C/O management and FTAs within systems.
• Assist in purchasing planning and supplier initiatives.
• Coordinate customs requests with HL Mando Korea.

Skills

Bilingual: English/Korean

HTS classification knowledge

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)

MS Excel

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor’s in Supply Chain/International Business/Logistics

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Purpose: The Customs Specialist ensures all import and export activities comply with applicable customs regulations, laws, and trade agreements to support efficient and compliant cross-border operations. This role manages customs documentation, classification, and clearance processes while coordinating with internal teams, brokers, and government agencies. The position also contributes to purchasing planning strategies and provides customs‑related support and reporting to HL Mando Korea. Through effective compliance and process management, this role supports HL Mando’s operational efficiency and global trade objectives.

Key Responsibilities include the following(other duties may be assigned as needed):

• Ensure all import and export transactions comply with customs laws, trade agreements, and regulatory requirements (e.g., CBP, USMCA, EU).
• Prepare, review, and submit customs documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
• Classify goods using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes and ensure accurate duty, tariff, and tax calculations.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies to facilitate timely clearance and delivery.
• Maintain accurate, organized records of all customs transactions for audit and compliance purposes.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes, ensuring HL Mando’s ongoing compliance with trade and tariff laws.
• Conduct internal audits, identify process gaps, and implement improvements to strengthen trade compliance.
• Support FTA Certificate of Origin (C/O) management and ensure accuracy within FTA systems.
• Assist in purchasing planning tasks, including supplier strategy development and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate and respond to customs‑related requests from HL Mando Korea.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or related field (preferred).
• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker required (or equivalent certification if outside the U.S.).
• 2–5 years of experience in customs compliance, international logistics, or trade management.
• Experience collaborating with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies.
• CPM or CPSM certification preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Bilingual: English and Korean (preferred).
• Comprehensive knowledge of import/export regulations, documentation requirements, and trade compliance standards.
• Familiarity with HTS classification codes and Incoterms.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong judgment and decision‑making abilities, considering cost, delivery, and quality impacts.
• Proactive, collaborative team player who demonstrates accountability and initiative.

Legal Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age due to federal labor law requirements.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily an office‑based environment with occasional visits to warehouses and/or logistics centers.
• Occasional extended hours may be required to support regional or global coordination.
• Minimal exposure to noise, hazards, or extreme conditions.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods while performing office and administrative tasks.
• Occasional lifting of boxes or files up to 25 lbs. may be required.
• Ability to work on a computer and communicate effectively via phone and email.

Compensation and Benefits: Competitive Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health, dental & vision insurance, life insurance and other supplemental benefits, 401(k) plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: HL Mando is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability status.