Global Customs Compliance Manager

GTI Fabrication; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO and holidays

Life insurance and disability

Job summary

GTI Fabrication in Buffalo, NY seeks a Global Customs Compliance Manager to lead duties, classification, and trade documentation for a diverse product portfolio. You will collaborate with Finance, Logistics, Procurement, Engineering, and external brokers to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective imports.

The role emphasizes managing PMS reconciliation, ACE access, USMCA qualification, and tariff strategy while driving continuous improvement in procedures and data accuracy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of hands-on customs compliance experience.
• Experience supporting multiple clients or suppliers across geographies.
• Proficient with ACE, PMS reconciliation, CBP Form 7501, HTSUS, and origin rules.
• Strong Excel, data analysis, and organizational skills.
• Experience with USMCA or preferential trade documentation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate customs clearance with brokers, forwarders, and internal teams.
• Review entries for accuracy; resolve discrepancies and ensure proper classification.
• Maintain entry registers and audit trails for compliance and traceability.
• Manage duty estimates, payments, and refunds with Finance and Brokers.
• Monitor tariff changes and CBP guidance; communicate impact to stakeholders.
• Train staff on documentation, origin marking, and compliant imports.
• Provide regular compliance reporting and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Escalate complex legal questions to brokers or trade counsel.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Independent worker

Tools

ACE

PMS reconciliation

HTSUS classification

SAP

NetSuite

Job description

GTI is a contract manufacturing partner supporting customers in renewable energy, power generation, infrastructure, and industrial systems.

We fabricate custom designed, purpose-built enclosures and skids for our customers and perform mechanical and electrical integration in-house, delivering a true turn-key product to our customers. Our scope spans Engineering, prototype builds, through full production, requiring teams that can move fast, adapt, and execute with precision.

GTI Values: Safety I Quality I Customer Obsession I Speed I Agility

Position Overview

The Global Customs Compliance Manager is responsible for GTI's customs compliance, tariff strategy, and trade documentation across approximately 200 active import transactions annually, serving a diverse product portfolio including fabricated enclosures, structural components, electrical/mechanical assemblies, and raw materials such as wood, metals, electronics, etc. The Customs Compliance Manager works closely with Finance, Logistics Coordinators, Procurement, Engineering, and external brokers to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective customs clearance while mitigating regulatory risk.

Key Responsibilities

Customs Entries and Broker Coordination

• Coordinate customs clearance requirements with customs brokers, freight forwarders, suppliers, and internal teams across 200+ annual import transactions

• Review customs entries (CBP Form 7501) and entry summaries for accurate classification, country of origin, declared value, duties, and applicable tariff provisions
• Resolve entry discrepancies with brokers and track corrections through completion; escalated clearance risks that could delay shipments or create cost overruns
• Maintain comprehensive entry register linking customs entries to GTI load numbers, purchase orders, projects, and supporting documentation for audit trail and compliance
• Manage relationships with brokers and freight forwarders; evaluate broker performance and address recurring errors or compliance gaps

Tariff Classification & Trade Strategy

• Maintain centralized, current product classification database with HTSUS codes, product descriptions, countries of origin, classification rationale, and applicable duty rates

• Work with Engineering, Procurement, suppliers, and brokers to obtain technical specifications and documentation needed for accurate tariff classification
• Monitor tariff changes, CBP guidance, preferential trade program requirements, and Section 232/301 duties affecting GTI products and suppliers
• Maintain tariff watch list; communicate effective dates, affected products, estimated cost impacts, and required company actions to Finance and Operations
• Support duty estimates for new purchases, projects, and supplier negotiations; clearly identify assumptions and unresolved questions
• Review eligibility and documentation requirements for preferential treatment, including USMCA qualification and supporting supplier documentation

PMS, Duties & Refund Management

• Manage review and reconciliation of Periodic Monthly Statements (PMS) from brokers; match charges to entry records and investigate discrepancies

• Coordinate timely payment of customs duties with Finance and brokers; maintain visibility into outstanding obligations and estimated cash flow
• Track entry liquidation, correction, and protest deadlines; identify and pursue refund opportunities with brokers or qualified trade counsel
• Maintain documentation of submissions and monitor claims through final resolution and receipt of refund funds
• Provide Finance with regular reporting on duty spend, trends, and cost-saving opportunities

ACE, Compliance & Record Management

• Manage authorized company access to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), including account maintenance, data integrity, and CBP issue resolution

• Maintain current importer records, CBP Forms 5106, broker powers of attorney, customs bonds, and all required trade documentation
• Monitor customs bond sufficiency; coordinate renewals and increases with bond broker, Finance, and Logistics leadership
• Track CBP notices, audit requests, and response deadlines; ensure timely, complete responses
• Maintain organized customs records in accordance with retention requirements and audit standards; prepare for CBP audits and examinations

Process Ownership and Internal Support

• Develop and document customs compliance procedures, checklists, internal controls, and audit protocols to ensure consistent, accurate entry practices

• Conduct routine entry audits and address recurring broker, supplier, or internal documentation errors
• Train Logistics Coordinators, Procurement, and project teams on documentation, country of origin marking, and information required for compliant imports
• Provide regular compliance reporting to leadership on duty spend, entry discrepancies, pending refunds, upcoming deadlines, and regulatory risks
• Identify opportunities to optimize tariff classification, reduce duty costs, or streamline customs processes
• Escalate complex legal interpretations, trade program questions, or tariff disputes to qualified customs brokers or trade counsel

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of hands-on customs compliance, customs brokerage, or importer compliance experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting multiple clients, suppliers, or companies (not limited to single-company background); comfort with diverse product types and geographies
• Strong practical experience with ACE, PMS reconciliation, entry summaries (CBP Form 7501), HTSUS tariff classification, customs valuation, and country of origin requirements
• Proven experience researching tariff changes, exclusions, and trade program rules; translating tariff changes into operational impact and cost estimates
• Experience with USMCA or preferential trade program documentation and qualification
• Strong Excel, data reconciliation, recordkeeping, analytical, and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines independently
• Excellent communication skills; ability to coordinate across Operations, Finance, Procurement, and external partners
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment and prioritize competing demands

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Customs Broker or Certified Customs Specialist credential
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, structural steel/aluminum products, and assembly/fabrication operations
• Experience managing imports from Mexico and other major sourcing regions; knowledge of USMCA sourcing and documentation
• Experience with Chapter 99 provisions, Section 232/301 duty applications, post-entry corrections, and tariff protests
• Experience managing multiple brokers and evaluating broker performance
• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, etc.) and customs management platforms

Benefits & Perks

GTI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees and their families while providing long-term career growth opportunities within a fast-growing manufacturing organization. Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (where applicable)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sick time in accordance with state and local requirements
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Career advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing organization
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, modular infrastructure, and large-scale industrial projects
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with strong operational and engineering leadership
• Employee-focused culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

$72,000 - $87,000 a year

GTI promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. We also value the safety of all employees and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.