Import Compliance Specialist

Northern Tool + Equipment; Burnsville (MN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Health benefits (medical, dental, etc)

401(k) matching

Job summary

Northern Tool + Equipment is seeking an Import Compliance Specialist to partner with Merchandising, Sourcing, Transportation, and Finance to ensure compliant movement of imported goods.

You will analyze trade data, identify risks, and drive improvements in our global trade compliance program while engaging across the organization.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field.
• 2+ years in import/export compliance or global trade operations.
• Strong knowledge of HTS, Incoterms, and customs documentation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with CBP, FDA, PGA and other trade regulations.
• Collaborate with customs brokers to ensure timely entry processing.
• Classify products with HTSUS codes and determine country of origin.
• Maintain auditable import documentation and advise internal teams.

Skills

HTS classification

Incoterms

Customs documentation

Analytical skills

Excel

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, Trade Compliance, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

TMS

Trade management platforms

Job description

Description

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It's our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle-free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as an Import Compliance Specialist is to partner with teams across Merchandising, Sourcing, Transportation, Finance, Inventory Planning, and Distribution Operations to ensure the smooth movement of imported goods while maintaining compliance with U.S. Customs and international trade requirements. You'll have the opportunity to influence business processes, analyze trade data, identify compliance risks, and contribute to the growth of our global trade compliance program.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, collaborating across functions, and making a measurable impact on supply chain performance, we'd love to hear from you.

Your positive, professional, roll-up-your-sleeves-to-help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression.

Key Responsibilities:

Drive Import Compliance Excellence

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, FDA requirements, Partner Government Agencies (PGA), and other applicable trade regulations.
• Partner with customs brokers to support timely and accurate import entry processing and customs clearance.
• Classify products using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) codes and support country-of-origin determinations.
• Conduct internal compliance reviews and audits in accordance with company policies and trade compliance standards.
• Maintain accurate and auditable import documentation and records.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal teams on customs, import compliance, and regulatory requirements.

Analyze Data and Improve Processes

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to customs activity, broker performance, duties, tariffs, and supply chain costs.
• Analyze ACE data to identify compliance risks, tariff trends, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Support continuous enhancement of Northern Tool's trade compliance program by identifying gaps and implementing best practices.
• Assist in developing and maintaining trade compliance policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.

Collaborate Across the Business

• Act as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners, including customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and government agencies.
• Work closely with Merchandising, Sourcing, Inventory Planning, Transportation, Distribution Centers, and Finance to support business objectives.
• Contribute to technology and process improvement initiatives related to international trade and logistics operations.

What you will bring to the table:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, Trade Compliance, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience in import/export compliance, customs brokerage, international logistics, or global trade operations.
• Working knowledge of HTS classification, Incoterms, customs documentation, and international shipping processes.
• Understanding of U.S. Customs regulations and import compliance requirements.
• Experience collaborating with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) certification or interest in pursuing licensure.
• Experience with ACE reporting, tariff analysis, and duty recovery programs.
• Knowledge of CBP Requests for Information (CF28) and Notices of Action (CF29).
• Experience with ERP systems, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), or trade management platforms.
• Familiarity with duty drawback programs, free trade agreements, and tariff mitigation strategies.
• Advanced Excel, Power BI, or other data analytics tools.

About Us

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota's Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We're looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you're the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we'd love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team.

Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes:

• Competitive Pay: Earn $38.00 to $48.00 hourly, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday - Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support