Sr. Manager Customs Compliance, North America

sonyglobal; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Free Fridays perks

Job summary

Sony Electronics Inc. seeks a senior leader to own North American customs and trade compliance strategy, policies, and training. You will partner across Legal, Logistics, Tax, Engineering, Operations, Procurement, and Supply Chain to ensure adherence to global import/export rules and drive continuous improvements.

The role requires deep knowledge of U.S. customs and related programs, with responsibility for annual financial analyses, import valuation reconciliations, and the Duty Drawback

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in customs, international trade, or import/export compliance.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. customs laws and regulations.
• Experience developing and implementing compliance strategies and trainings.
• Experience with audits and government inquiries.
• Proficient with Excel and large data sets.
• Experience with enterprise systems and global trade management software.

Responsibilities

• Lead NA customs and trade compliance strategy and training.
• Ensure compliance with U.S., Canadian, and global import/export laws.
• Collaborate with Legal, Logistics, Tax, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.
• Conduct internal audits of import declarations and correct gaps.
• Prepare information for external audits and regulatory inquiries.
• Analyze financial data and reconcile import costs with records.
• Lead Duty Drawback program and identify savings opportunities.
• Advise on tariff classification, origin, and PGAs.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Cross-functional comms

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Global trade software

Job description

Sony Electronics Inc. is looking for the risk-takers, the collaborators, the inspired and the inspirational. We want the people who are brave enough to work at the cutting edge and create solutions that will enrich and improve the lives of people across the globe. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we offer an environment and culture that promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In addition, our team members enjoy innovative work-life balance opportunities including a hybrid home/office workplace, monthly "Free Fridays", and early shutdowns on Fridays throughout the year (including half-days during the summer).

Join us on our mission to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.

Job Description

The Customs and Trade Compliance Sr. Manager leads corporate compliance strategy and develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, systems and training. The position provides compliance and execution support across the company to ensure Sony Electronics Inc., its affiliates and subsidiaries adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and guidance regarding global import/export activity. Interacts with Legal, Logistics, Tax, Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain, and other internal businesses and external stakeholders to drive Import/Export compliance. Conducts internal audits of import declarations, ensures all required corrective actions are taken and filed with US and Canadian Customs. Supports communication with government agencies as necessary and produces all required import related information and documentation in response to external audits. The position is also responsible for conducting extensive financial analysis annually to prepare import valuation reconciliations against all costs declared on entry against the actual financial records of the company and to lead the Duty Drawback Program. The position will also advise on tariff classification, origin, PGAs, and other programs such as Bonded Warehouses and Foreign Trade Zones.

Responsibilities

• Lead the North American customs and trade compliance strategy, including the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of policies, procedures, systems, and training.
• Provide compliance guidance and operational support to ensure the company, its affiliates, and subsidiaries comply with applicable U.S., Canadian, and other global import and export laws, regulations, and agency guidance.
• Partner with Legal, Logistics, Tax, Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain, and other internal teams and external stakeholders to drive consistent import and export compliance.
• Conduct internal audits of import declarations, identify compliance gaps, and ensure corrective actions are completed and filed with U.S. and Canadian customs authorities.
• Manage communications with government agencies and prepare required information and documentation in response to external audits and regulatory inquiries.
• Perform annual financial analyses and prepare import valuation reconciliations comparing declared entry costs with the company's actual financial records.
• Lead the Duty Drawback Program and identify opportunities to reduce, recover, or avoid customs duties while maintaining compliance.
• Provide subject-matter expertise on tariff classification, customs valuation, country of origin, partner government agency requirements, and special trade programs.
• Advise on and support programs such as bonded warehouses, foreign-trade zones, customs reconciliation, protests, and petitions.
• Monitor regulatory developments and translate changes into practical business requirements, controls, training, and process improvements.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in international trade, supply chain, accounting, finance, business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 10 or more years of progressively responsible experience in customs, international trade, or import/export compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. customs laws and regulations, including tariff classification, customs valuation, country of origin, entry requirements, and special trade programs.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing customs compliance strategies, policies, controls, and training.
• Experience conducting compliance reviews or audits, managing corrective actions, and responding to government inquiries or external audits.
• Strong knowledge of duty reduction and recovery programs, including drawback, foreign-trade zones, customs reconciliation, protests, and petitions.
• Experience analyzing complex financial and customs data, performing cost analyses, and reconciling import activity to accounting records.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience working with large, complex data sets.
• Experience with enterprise business systems and global trade management software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical requirements and influence cross-functional stakeholders.