Global Trade Compliance Specialist FTZ & Customs

Sterling Engineering; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Import/Export Trade Coordinator to support its growing international trade compliance team in St. Charles, IL. The role focuses on FTZ compliance, HTS classifications, and U.S.

Customs regulatory adherence, coordinating with brokers and freight forwarders to ensure timely and accurate documentation. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on import/export operations with a strong compliance mindset, review & improve procedures, and develop KPIs

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in trade compliance, customs brokerage, or import/export operations.
• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field OR 5+ years of relevant import/export expertise.
• Strong knowledge of: U.S. Customs regulations, Import/export laws, HTS, Country of Origin, Customs valuation.
• Experience reviewing customs and international shipping documentation.
• Experience with brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and international suppliers.
• Experience with trade compliance and ERP systems; Integration Point and QAD are a plus.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills.
• Experience with KPI reporting and compliance auditing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate import/export transactions and ensure FTZ requirements are met.
• Monitor U.S. Customs regulations, international trade requirements, and regulatory changes.
• Review and improve SOPs related to EEI filings, Country of Origin, HTS, Schedule B, and ECCN.
• Review import/export and FTZ documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Validate Country of Origin, valuation, and OGA filings.
• Maintain accurate customs records per CBP and FTR requirements.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, suppliers and internal departments.
• Support complex import/export transactions, routing requirements, and valuation activities.
• Develop KPIs and performance reporting related to import/export operations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

5+ years of relevant import/export subject matter expertise

Tools

Integration Point

QAD

MS Excel

Job description

Sterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Import/Export Trade Coordinator to support its growing international trade compliance team in St. Charles, IL. The role focuses on FTZ compliance, HTS classifications, and U.S.

Customs regulatory adherence, coordinating with brokers and freight forwarders to ensure timely and accurate documentation. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on import/export operations with a strong compliance mindset, review & improve procedures, and develop KPIs