Customs Specialist II

ZF; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Plan

Paid time off

401k Plan

Health Care Benefits

Paid Holidays

Supportive team environment

Diversity and inclusion culture

Community outreach activities

Job summary

ZF Active Safety US Inc. in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a Customs Specialist II to manage import/export, HTSUS classifications, and USMCA processes. You will maintain customs documentation, coordinate with plants and brokers, and support FTZ and other compliance programs.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 4+ years in customs or supply chain projects, with strong analytical and data interpretation skills. Join a team focused on cost-efficient, compliant trade operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Business Administration, Supply Chain)
• 4+ years of experience with customs or supply chain projects
• Strong tariff classification and origin data knowledge
• Familiarity with US customs regulations and processes
• Proficiency with MS Excel; Access experience is a plus
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and data analysis
• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills
• Experience with trade compliance concepts and documentation

Responsibilities

• Provide daily guidance on import/export activities to business units and US Customs in North America
• Determine HTSUS classifications and ensure proper duties and taxes are paid
• Research products for eligibility under USMCA and other FTAs
• Manage USMCA certificates and related plant compliance activities
• Maintain USMCA and country-of-origin data in customs systems
• Support FTZ compliance and process improvements
• Create and review SOPs with border brokers and suppliers
• Oversee performance of customs brokers and other service providers

Skills

Tariff classification

Country of origin

US Customs regulations

MS Excel

Access

Cross-functional teams

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Description

Customs Specialist II

Country/Region: US

Location:

Auburn Hills, MI, US, 48326

Req ID 87205 | Auburn Hills, United States ZF Active Safety US Inc.

About the team:

The ZF Customs and Trade Compliance team is a critical-thinking and fast-paced group that manages customs compliance processes for our ZF North American facilities. This group focuses on daily trade operations, managing customs compliance solutions, and driving duty optimization initiatives for cost efficiency. This department has the unique position to work with all ZF divisions and departments globally to gain and enhance knowledge in all customs functional areas to be able to work very closely on exciting projects as ZF moves quickly into Next Generation Mobility. This department is excited and eager as it continues to grow its talented team and digitalized process base to become a benchmark of trade compliance within the automotive industry.

What you can look forward to as a Customs Specialist II

• Provide daily guidance to various business units and U.S. Customs in North America in the conduct of importation, exportation, reconciliation, and drawback activities. Support sourcing/supply chain personnel in the areas of import and export shipping.

• Determine (HTSUS) Harmonize Tariff Schedule classifications for raw materials and finished goods, ensure data is reported accurately and all appropriate duties, and taxes and fees are paid in compliance with trade regulations.

• Research and analyze products for qualification for free trade agreements (e.g. USMCA, US-Chile, US-Korea).

• Collect and issue USMCA Certificates, ensure plant compliance with USMCA regulations, review USMCA Certificates that are issued by ZF Plants and Vendors, and audit USMCA certificates and communicate findings to all parties for compliance requirements. Manage the Customs systems and database; maintain USMCA certificates and affidavits for plants.

• Maintain and update USMCA and Country of Origin data in Customs systems. Handle all Country of Origin issues; handle USMCA solicitations, qualification and record keeping.

• Provide support to FTZ compliance by coordination with plants in developing, implementing, and maintaining processes, process improvements, procedures, manuals, and systems.

• Create and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with ZF border brokers and suppliers and respond to requests for information from the Customs Brokers. Manage, direct, and evaluate the performance of customs brokers and other customs-related service providers.

• Provide support to business units in the areas of Customs Drawback and Reconciliation programs. Provide support to business units with Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and ISA / Trusted Trader programs.

Your Profile as a Customs Specialist II

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field

• 4+ years of experience with customs and/or supply chain-related projects

• Extensive background in tariff classification, as well as country of origin issues

• Knowledge of US Customs regulations

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools – particularly Access and Excel

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with high attention to detail

• Proven ability to analyze and interpret data and supply chain-related processes

• Proven ability to interface with cross-functional teams and all levels of personnel and management

Why you should choose ZF:

• Annual Incentive Plan

• Paid time off

• 401k Plan

• Health Care Benefits

• Paid Holidays

• A supportive collaborative team environment

• A strong diverse culture

• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities

Contact

Hannah Cline

[phone]

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affiantative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran

What does DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) mean for ZF as a company?

At ZF, we continuously strive to build and maintain a culture where inclusiveness is lived and diversity is valued. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that all our employees can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this vision in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape the future of mobility.