Freight Forwarding - Customs Compliance Manager

CJ Logistics America; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Earned wage access

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

CJ Logistics America is seeking a seasoned Customs Compliance Manager to lead a regional customs brokerage team and ensure strict regulatory adherence across import operations. You will drive process improvements, manage complex PGA regulations, and serve as a subject matter expert for internal teams and customers.

The role requires a U.S. Customs Broker License, 5+ years of leadership in customs brokerage, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Active U.S Customs Broker License.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a Customs Brokerage environment.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. import regulations and PGA processes (FDA, APHIS, Fish & Wildlife, EPA, DOT).
• Experience with post summary corrections, protests, and penalty mitigation.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day customs brokerage operations for a regional team.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and optimize workflow efficiency.
• Develop and implement entry audit processes to ensure accuracy and revenue protection.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Finance and customers on CBP matters.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team.
• Respond to CBP requests for information and support penalties mitigation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team building

Bilingual English/Korean

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google applications

Job description

Who We Are And Why We’re Hiring

CJ Logistics delivers integrated and multimodal logistics services, connecting every corner of the world via air, sea and land. As a lead logistics partner (LLP), third-party logistics provider (3PL) and supply chain consultant, we help customers leverage supply chain management as a competitive advantage, reducing total system costs, transforming business processes, improving service and facilitating growth and change. With a focus on social responsibility and sustainability through growth with customers and communities, we prioritize the wellbeing of the end consumer, our customers and our employees. CJ Logistics is responsible for the North America region, specializing in solutions for regulated industries such as food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive.

Who We Are And Why We’re Hiring

CJ Logistics delivers integrated and multimodal logistics services, connecting every corner of the world via air, sea and land. As a lead logistics partner (LLP), third-party logistics provider (3PL) and supply chain consultant, we help customers leverage supply chain management as a competitive advantage, reducing total system costs, transforming business processes, improving service and facilitating growth and change. With a focus on social responsibility and sustainability through growth with customers and communities, we prioritize the wellbeing of the end consumer, our customers and our employees. CJ Logistics is responsible for the North America region, specializing in solutions for regulated industries such as food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive.

Customs Compliance Ana

Position Overview

The Customs Compliance Manager leads and oversees the day-to-day operations of the customs brokerage team with a specialized focus on compliance for the freight forwarding department. The role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing workflow efficiency, managing team performance, and supporting business growth initiatives. The role requires a strong understanding of import regulations and the proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This position plays a key role in maintaining service excellence, driving operational value and continuous improvement efforts, and acts as a subject matter expert for both internal teams and customers.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Research customs rulings and determine the correct HTS classification, ensuring that the department stays in compliance with all regulations.
• Train and educate the freight forwarding team on regulations and compliance rulings that impact business operations.
• Manage drawback claims, accelerated payment processes, and CBP correspondence coordinate with Supply Chain, Finance and customers.
• Lead responses for drawback audits, import/export matching database, and CBP requests for information related to drawback claims.
• Oversee daily customs brokerage operations for a regional team of employees, ensuring compliance with all U.S. Customs and PGA regulations.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing customs brokerage team including performance management of the team.
• Coach and mentor team to meet performance goals and service standards.
• Ensure accurate and timely filing of entries and related documentation.
• Monitor and respond to regulatory changes; update procedures as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support customer service and operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement entry audit processes to ensure accuracy and revenue protection.
• Support mitigation efforts for penalties, protests, and post-summary corrections.
• Perform other related job duties as assigned or required.

Required Qualifications

• Active U.S Customs Broker License
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a Customs Brokerage environment
• Demonstrated expertise in PGA processes (especially FDA, APHIS, Fish & Wildlife, EPA, DOT)
• Experience with post summary corrections, protests, and penalty mitigation
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. import regulations and compliance requirements
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google applications
• Proven ability to lead teams effectively through strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and confidently at all levels

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English/Korean is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk while working on a computer
• Use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, mouse, and telephone
• Speak and hear clearly in person, virtually, and over the phone
• Occasionally stand, walk, reach, stoop, or lift up to 10 pounds

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What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Early access to earned wages
• High-performance culture with a continuous improvement mindset
• Opportunities for advancement!

CJ Logistics About Statement

At CJ Logistics, we value diversity, equity, and an inclusive workplace. If you think you might be a good fit for the role, but don't necessarily meet every single requirement on the job posting, we still encourage you to apply.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and or/harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or related medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military statue, disability (physical or mental) medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

This job posting sets forth the essential job duties and responsibilities for the position. An employee assigned to this position must be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. The Company will provide reasonable accommodation(s) to a disabled employee in accordance with, and as required by, applicable law.

This job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and other applicable federal, state, and local fair chance laws, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

CJ Logistics participates in the E-Verify program.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or support for work authorization.

CJ Logistics is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing equal access to applicants with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation or wish to request an alternative, non-automated evaluation process due to a disability, medical condition, or neurodivergence, please contact our Talent Acquisition Accommodations Team at [e-mail]. Requesting an accommodation or alternative review process will not negatively affect your candidacy.