Sr. Customs & Trade Consultant

Willson International Limited; Buffalo (NY); Remote; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Willson International is seeking a Senior Customs & Trade Consultant - U.S. to lead client engagements and drive compliance excellence from a remote setting. You will translate complex regulations into actionable strategies while interfacing with executives and operational teams.

The role combines deep regulatory expertise with project leadership, supporting the sales cycle and growing the Trade Advisory practice. Some travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Interpret U.S. customs and trade regulations for clients and tailor compliant strategies.
• Lead client engagements and manage relationships across senior to operational levels.
• Support sales cycles and contribute to Trade Advisory Services methodologies.

Job description

Looking for a career, at a company where you love to work, all while working from the comfort of home? Do you want to be part of a growing organization, on a team that’s interested in your development?

Willson International is a Customs Brokerage and Third-Party Logistics organization. At Willson, we’re creating an environment that empowers our people to reach their full potential, while embracing your strengths and ambitions. Whether it’s developing new skills, opportunities to innovate and grow, or the flexibility to enjoy the moments that matter with your loved ones, Willson International is the place for you.

Role Description

We are seeking a high-caliber, strategic Senior Customs & Trade Consultant - U.S. to lead client engagements and drive operational excellence. This role is a balance of deep technical customs expertise and high-level project leadership. You will be responsible for interfacing with all levels of a client's organization, from senior executive management to operational teams, while building, maintaining, and growing long-term relationships.

As a Senior Consultant, you will not only interpret complex customs and trade regulations and apply them to client needs, but you will also support the sales cycle and contribute to the refinement of our Trade Advisory Services practice methodologies.

Technical Compliance & Advisory

Regulatory Interpretation

• Interpret U.S. customs and international trade compliance regulations, translating them into actionable, risk-mitigating strategies for clients at any stage of import/export operations, compliance management, and audit activity.
• Advise clients on applicable government regulations and agency requirements, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, the Tariff Act, Customs Modernization Act (Mod Act), Federal Register Notices, CBP Rulings, Informed Compliance Publications, and other applicable trade regulations.

Tariff Classification

• Classify imported products utilizing advanced knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
• Apply General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), Section and Chapter Notes, Explanatory Notes, Customs Rulings, and relevant legal precedents to ensure accurate and defensible classifications.

Rulings & Research

• Research customs rulings and trade regulations and manage the preparation, submission, and support of Binding Ruling Requests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Conduct technical research to support client compliance initiatives, audit responses, and strategic trade decisions.
• Advise on customs valuation methodologies, country of origin determinations, USMCA and other Free Trade Agreement qualification requirements, PGA/OGA compliance (FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC, DOT, etc.), Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) programs, and import permit requirements.
• Effectively manage Protests, Prior Disclosures, Post Summary Corrections (PSC), Reconciliation Programs, Duty Drawback, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) activities, and other duty recovery or compliance initiatives.

Digital Tools & Exports

• Utilize CBP systems and trade technology platforms effectively while maintaining a strong understanding of U.S. export regulations and controls.
• Support clients with process improvements, compliance analytics, and technology-enabled trade solutions.

Core Competencies

Executive Presence

• Capable of seamlessly interfacing with all levels of an organization, from front-line operational employees to C-suite executives.

Business Acumen

• Strong regulatory, analytical, financial, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills with a proven ability to logically document and explain complex regulatory processes.

Problem Solving

• Strong investigative skills with a proactive approach to identifying gaps and implementing sustainable solutions.

Technology Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and CRM tools.

Experience & Education

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in international trade, customs compliance, customs brokerage, or trade consulting environments, with strong expertise in U.S. import/export regulations.
• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB) designation required.
• Additional trade compliance certifications or professional designations considered an asset.
• Proven ability to facilitate business growth while effectively maintaining a compliance-focused environment.
• Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills while operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior strategic, organizational, analytical, and abstract reasoning skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with public speaking and presenting to large groups and executive audiences.
• Solid financial acumen related to trade compliance, customs programs, and international supply chain activities.
• Proven ability to manage client engagements, develop business relationships, and identify opportunities for service expansion.

Full-Time - Remote with occasional travel