International Trade Compliance Specialist

Ball Horticultural Company; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Ball Horticultural Company is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to execute and maintain our import/export program, with emphasis on live, perishable shipments to North America. You will review licenses, advise teams, and liaise with USDA/APHIS and customs officials to ensure timely clearances and holds.

The role requires 5+ years in import/export administration, a business-related degree, and strong knowledge of U.S. trade laws. Travel up to 5% may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of import/export administration experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. import/export laws and regulations; Customs Broker license is a plus.
• High accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to interact with cross-functional teams to resolve importation issues (USDA/APHIS, import agents, customers, sales, internal stakeholders).
• Familiarity with USDA/APHIS process for live perishables is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve goals; strong written and verbal communication.
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain import/export trade compliance program for the company.
• Review and approve license or permit applications for imports/exports.
• Advise cross-functional partners on trade compliance matters.
• Interact with USDA/APHIS and customs officials regarding clearances, inspections and holds.
• Monitor weekly movement of live perishables and support airports, vendors, and partners during inspections.
• Provide guidance on documentation, licensing, and compliance matters.

Skills

Import/Export

Regulatory Compliance

USDA/APHIS

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

The Trade Compliance Specialist will be responsible for executing and maintaining the import and export trade compliance program at Ball Horticultural Company. High emphasis on live, perishable shipments coming from international production facilities to North America for multimodal delivery. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving import/export license or permit applications, advising cross-functional partners about trade compliance matters, and interacting with USDA/APHIS and customs officials regarding clearances, inspections and holds.?

Job Type: Full-time

Job Responsibilities And Duties

• Ensure that the company is compliant with domestic and foreign import and export requirements to maintain the company is ability to import products into the USA with adherence to laws.
• Monitors weekly movement of live perishables from offshore facilities and provide expert knowledge and assistance to airport partners/vendors during customs and USDA/APHIS inspections. This ensures fluid movement of shipments without delays that could jeopardize the quality of the live perishable contents.
• Oversees and provides guidance to the operations teams in the day-to-day compliance matters which are not limited to but include correct documentation guidance, USDA
• Customs/USDA shipment “hold” intervention and communication, HTS classification, custom broker management, and export compliance matters. Sharing knowledge of best practices and optimal processes aids in maintaining fluid movement of import/export shipments.
• Ensure legal compliance with trade laws and regulations, including appropriate licensing for shipments to maintain Import Permits required for import of live perishables to USA and Canada.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on U.S. and other international import/export requirements to aid in resolving problems that may arise, helping internal teams to be more self-sufficient and accurate with their work.
• Review, respond to, and escalate as necessary all government inquiries related to trade compliance.
• Work with global team members on compliance with review of new product offerings and new market introductions.
• Interface with government agencies on new preferential trade program initiatives and facility certifications.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of import/export administration experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required.
• Must have an extensive knowledge of U.S. import and export control laws and regulations. Customs Broker License is a plus.
• High accuracy and attention to detail needed.
• Ability to interact with cross-functional teams to resolve importation issues (USDA/APHIS, import agents, customers, sales, internal stakeholders).
• Familiarity with USDA/APHIS process for importation of live perishables is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to set and accomplish strategic goals, communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office Suite.

Salary Range

$65k - $70k

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel both domestic and internationally up to 5% of the time
• Ability to sit/stand 100% of the time
• Ability to use fingers/hands 100% of the time
• Ability to work in an office setting

Our promise to you

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas