Senior Manager - Trade & Customs

Lear Corporation; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lear Corporation is seeking a Senior Manager - Trade & Customs at their Southfield, MI headquarters. This role involves leading the global trade and customs compliance strategy and advising on tariff risks. With over 10 years of experience required, the ideal candidate will manage compliance programs and guide executive decisions on trade actions.

The candidate should have deep expertise in tariff regulations and a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with Mexico customs and the ability to speak Spanish are preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in global trade, customs, and import/export compliance.
• Deep expertise in classification, valuation, tariffs, and free trade agreements.
• Familiarity with Mexico customs regulations and export controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the company's global trade and customs compliance program.
• Advise executive leadership on tariffs and trade actions.
• Oversee customs classification and duty optimization.

Skills

Global trade expertise

Customs compliance knowledge

Experience with tariffs

Advise senior leadership

Familiarity with Mexico customs

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, law, or supply chain

Job description

Senior Manager - Trade & Customs

Southfield, MI - World Headquarters - In-Person

Job Description

As a member of the global tax team, the Senior Manager - Trade & Customs will lead the company's global trade and customs compliance strategy and serve as a key advisor on tariff and trade-related risk. Reporting to the VP Global Indirect Tax & Customs, you play a critical role in protecting the business, supporting leadership decisions, and navigating a complex and evolving global trade environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the company's global trade and customs compliance program across all regions.
• Manage tariff, trade, and customs issues impacting business operations and cost.
• Advise executive leadership on the impact of tariffs, trade actions, and FTA changes.
• Oversee customs classification, valuation, country of origin, and duty optimization.
• Manage USMCA and other free trade agreement qualification and documentation.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise on Mexico customs matters and cross‑border trade.
• Partner with internal teams to address export controls and trade compliance risks.
• Support audits, inquiries, and regulatory interactions related to trade and customs.
• Work with NEMA or other trade associations.

Experience Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in global trade, customs, and import/export compliance.
• Deep expertise in classification, valuation, tariffs, and free trade agreements; including the USMCA ideally within the automotive industry.
• Experience advising senior leadership on trade risk and regulatory changes.
• Familiarity with Mexico customs regulations and export controls.
• Bachelor's degree in business, law, supply chain, or equivalent experience; legal background preferred.

Preferred Requirements

• Previous experience as a lawyer.
• Experience with customs and trade compliance with Mexico.
• Ability to speak Spanish.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lear Corporation is committed to fair, merit‑based employment practices and equal opportunity.

We provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law. For assistance during the application process, contact your recruiter directly.

Applicants must submit their resume for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located. Unsolicited resumes from search firms, employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and will become the property of Lear Corporation.