Import Trade Operations Lead (U.S. & Canada)

Motorola Solutions; Elgin (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with Company Match

Paid Holidays

Generous PTO

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Parental & Family Leave

Job summary

Motorola Solutions is seeking an Import Trade Operations Lead in the Chicagoland area for a hybrid role. You will ensure compliance with U.S. and Canadian import regulations, HTS classifications, and broker operations, while guiding internal teams and partners to streamline cross-border imports.

The role requires 5+ years in trade compliance, a valid U.S. Customs Broker License, and a strong understanding of CBP/CBSA rules, with collaboration across purchasing, logistics, engineering, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years in trade compliance focused on U.S. and Canadian customs operations and import logistics.
• A current and valid U.S. Customs Broker License is required.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. and Canadian import requirements, valuation rules, OGA requirements and tariff classification procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and enforce full compliance with CBP, CBSA, and OGAs.
• Audit and maintain HTS classifications for U.S. and Canada with third-party Trade Service.
• Manage external U.S. and Canadian customs brokers and related audits.
• Prepare financial documentation for duty payment reconciliation and audits.
• Stay up-to-date on import regulations to optimize compliance and tariff spend.
• Collaborate with purchasing, logistics, engineering, and finance to resolve cross-border delays.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Tariff classification

Audit & analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Customs brokerage tools

Tariff databases

Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We’re a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.

Department Overview

The Global Logistics and Trade Operations department supports the transport, import, and export operations for all MSI sites. Import Trade Operations is responsible for Import declarations, compliance, and procedures aligned to Government Customs requirements. This position is part of the Supply Chain Procurement Team in the Product Procurement Organization.

Job Description

NOTE: This is a hybrid role - Candidate must reside in the Chicagoland area with the ability to work from the office 3-day per week.

Position Summary

The Import Trade Operations Lead is a critical role responsible for ensuring the company's strict adherence to all U.S. and Canadian import regulations and compliance standards. This position demands a highly experienced professional with a comprehensive understanding of import operations, HTS classification, and customs brokerage procedures. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and support to internal teams and external partners to facilitate the smooth and compliant import of goods.

Key Responsibilities

• Cross-Border Regulatory Compliance: Oversee and enforce full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and relevant Other Government Agencies (OGAs).
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) & Classification: Audit and maintain accurate U.S. and Canadian HTS tariff classifications in coordination with a third-party managed Trade Service, overseeing Chapter 99, Section 232, AD/CVD, and item database integrity.
• Broker & Vendor Operations: Manage external U.S. and Canadian customs brokers supporting quality reviews, import declarations, pre/post-entry summary audits, entry data aggregation, and post-summary corrections.
• Audit & Financial Reporting: Prepare financial documentation for ACH duty payment reconciliation, value reconciliation filings (transfer pricing, tooling, assists, pricing changes), support internal and external customs audits, and ensure compliance with US CBP and CBSA import regulations.
• Regulatory Expertise: Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of import regulations and other relevant trade compliance legislation to to optimize compliance, tariff spend and duty treatment.
• Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate daily with purchasing, logistics, engineering, and finance to resolve cross-border shipment delays and drive continuous improvement projects.
• Prioritization & Time Management: Effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of trade compliance experience focusing specifically on U.S. and Canadian customs operations and import logistics.
• Licensure: A current and valid U.S. Customs Broker License (LCB) is required.
• Regulatory Expertise: In-depth knowledge of U.S. and Canadian (CBSA) import requirements, valuation rules, OGA requirements and tariff classification procedures.
• Preferred Experience: Working knowledge of USMCA rules of origin, Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ), Duty Drawback, Country of Origin determinations, and Incoterms.
• Documentation & Analytical Skills: Proven expertise in auditing import documentation, conducting tariff spend analysis, and reviewing technical product specifications.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex information.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines effectively.

Work Requirements

• Location: Must reside in the Chicagoland area with the ability to work in-office 3 days per week.
• Work Authorization: Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required (employer work permit sponsorship is not available).
• #LI-MM4 LI-HYBRD Target Base Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 USD Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.
• Basic Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree 5+ years of experience in trade compliance or similar business disciplines. Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required. Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Travel Requirements: None Relocation Provided: None Position Type: Experienced Referral Payment Plan: Yes
• Incentive Bonus Plans
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision benefits
• 401K with Company Match 10
• Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off Packages
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Paid Parental & Family Leave and more!

EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

Company Culture

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you’d like to join our team but feel that you don’t quite meet all of the preferred skills, we’d still love to hear why you think you’d be a great addition to our team. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete this Reasonable Accommodations Form so we can assist you.

MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS OVERVIEW

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We’re a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future. Learn more at www.motorolasolutions.com.