Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist

Variant Partners; Sparta (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Variant Partners is seeking a Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist for a growing manufacturing client in the automotive sector. You will own classification, HTS, and country-of-origin records, and collaborate with logistics, sales, and finance to ensure compliant import/export operations.

The role requires 3+ years in US customs or international trade compliance, strong HTS knowledge, and experience with brokers.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in U.S. customs, import/export, or international trade compliance.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience with HTS classification.
• Understanding of U.S. Customs requirements, including country of origin, customs valuation, and entry documentation.
• Working knowledge of U.S. export-control requirements.
• Experience working with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
• Automotive or manufacturing experience preferred; experience with USMCA, duty drawback, tariff mitigation, ACE, or customs broker entry systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Classify imported products, components, and raw materials under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
• Maintain accurate HTS classifications and country-of-origin information
• Review import documentation and resolve customs entry or classification issues
• Manage relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders
• Support export compliance, USMCA, duty drawback, and tariff mitigation initiatives
• Monitor changes to tariffs, trade regulations, and other requirements impacting the business
• Identify opportunities to reduce duty exposure and improve landed cost while maintaining compliance
• Develop and maintain trade compliance procedures and internal controls
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

HTS classification

US customs knowledge

Export controls

Broker coordination

Tools

ACE

Job description

Our client is a growing manufacturer of innovative automotive lighting and electronics solutions, supporting both traditional and emerging technologies for the automotive industry. They’re looking for a Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist to join their team and help support their growing global operations.

Why Work Here?

This newly created role offers the opportunity to take ownership of customs and trade compliance activities in a dynamic, collaborative environment. You’ll work cross-functionally with logistics, finance, sales, customer service, purchasing, and other teams while helping build and strengthen trade compliance processes. It’s a great opportunity for someone who is detail-oriented, self-motivated, and enjoys working independently with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Classify imported products, components, and raw materials under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
• Maintain accurate HTS classifications and country-of-origin information
• Review import documentation and resolve customs entry or classification issues
• Manage relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders
• Support export compliance, USMCA, duty drawback, and tariff mitigation initiatives
• Monitor changes to tariffs, trade regulations, and other requirements impacting the business
• Identify opportunities to reduce duty exposure and improve landed cost while maintaining compliance
• Develop and maintain trade compliance procedures and internal controls
• Other duties as assigned

Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in U.S. customs, import/export, or international trade compliance
• Strong knowledge and practical experience with HTS classification
• Understanding of U.S. Customs requirements, including country of origin, customs valuation, and entry documentation
• Working knowledge of U.S. export-control requirements
• Experience working with customs brokers and freight forwarders
• Automotive or manufacturing experience preferred; experience with USMCA, duty drawback, tariff mitigation, ACE, or customs broker entry systems is a plus