Logistics and Customs Manager

Vulcan Elements; North Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements is seeking a Logistics and Customs Manager to lead domestic and international logistics, distribution, and trade compliance for U.S. magnet manufacturing operations.

You will ensure efficient, secure, and compliant movement of materials, partnering with internal teams and external providers to support production, customer deliveries, and growth. Strong emphasis on ITAR/EAR controls and cost optimization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of logistics, supply chain, transportation, or international trade compliance in manufacturing.
• 2+ years leading logistics operations or managing teams.
• Knowledge of ITAR, EAR, U.S. Customs, HTS, and import/export documentation.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP, TMS, WMS, GTM software.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; customs broker license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead inbound/outbound logistics and cost-effective material flow.
• Coordinate transport, warehousing, and customs compliance for global shipments.
• Maintain and execute the company’s global trade compliance program (ITAR/EAR, HTS).
• Manage customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and 3PLs for reliability and cost efficiency.
• Prepare import/export documentation and ensure cross-border shipment accuracy.
• Support tariff management and duty optimization efforts to reduce costs.
• Coordinate packaging to protect product quality during transport.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Data teams to improve logistics performance.
• Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities to improve delivery and inventory flow.
• Assist in warehouse and distribution planning to support growth and customer needs.
• Stay updated on changes in trade regulations and implement updates.
• Support internal and external audits related to logistics and trade compliance.

Skills

Logistics leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Trade compliance

ERP/MRP familiarity

TMS/WMS/GTM knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Transportation Management Systems

Global Trade Management software

Job description

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare‑earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high‑technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Transparency.

As the Logistics and Customs Manager, you will lead the day‑to‑day execution of domestic and international logistics, distribution, and trade compliance activities supporting our U.S. magnet manufacturing operations. You will ensure the efficient, secure, and compliant movement of raw materials and finished goods while partnering with internal teams and external logistics providers to support production, customer deliveries, and business growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily inbound and outbound logistics operations, ensuring timely and cost‑effective movement of materials and finished goods.
• Coordinate transportation, warehousing, customs compliance, and import/export activities to support manufacturing operations.
• Execute and maintain the company’s global trade compliance program, ensuring adherence to U.S. and international regulations, including ITAR, EAR, U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, country of origin, and valuation requirements.
• Manage customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and third‑party logistics providers to ensure reliable service, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate import and export documentation, customs filings, and recordkeeping to ensure accurate and compliant cross‑border shipments.
• Support tariff management, duty optimization, and trade compliance initiatives while identifying opportunities to improve logistics costs and efficiency.
• Manage inbound and outbound packaging requirements and coordinate packaging solutions that protect product quality and optimize transportation.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Customer Operations, and Data Informatics to improve logistics processes, shipment visibility, and operational performance.
• Monitor logistics performance using established KPIs, identifying opportunities to improve delivery performance, inventory flow, transportation costs, and compliance.
• Assist in warehouse and distribution planning to support production growth and customer requirements.
• Stay current on changes in international trade regulations, tariffs, and customs requirements, implementing necessary operational updates.
• Support internal and external audits related to logistics and trade compliance.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain, transportation, or international trade compliance within a manufacturing environment such as advanced materials, aerospace, automotive, battery, or industrial manufacturing.
• 2+ years of experience leading logistics operations, supervising teams, or managing transportation and customs activities.
• Working knowledge of global trade compliance, including ITAR, EAR, U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, import/export documentation, and country of origin requirements.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Global Trade Management (GTM) software.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.
• Licensed Customs Broker (Preferred)

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export‑controlled information or facilities.

This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. Export Control. Vulcan Elements will use this information to determine if you are eligible to receive this information under U.S. Law.

As set forth in Vulcan Elements’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.