Trade Compliance Associate

Connect Search, LLC; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

PTO & holidays

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC in Chicago, IL is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to serve as a key resource for U.S. import and Customs compliance, collaborating closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Operations, and Finance. The role emphasizes HTS classification, country of origin, valuation, and duty analysis across a global supply chain.

The ideal candidate has 3–6+ years in trade compliance with strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations and experience with FTAs.

Qualifications

• 3–6+ years of trade compliance, Customs, or import compliance experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs/import regulations.
• Experience with HTS classification, country of origin, valuation, duty analysis, Customs audits, broker management, and FTAs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key resource for U.S. import and Customs compliance.
• Support HTS classification, country of origin, Customs valuation, duty analysis, and import documentation.
• Monitor changing trade regulations and assess their impact on the business.
• Manage relationships with Customs brokers and third-party providers.
• Perform Customs entry audits, identify issues, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Support compliance with Section 232/301 tariffs, UFLPA, FTAs, and other trade regulations.
• Maintain accurate trade compliance data, documentation, and records.
• Partner cross-functionally on compliance issues and broader global trade initiatives.

Skills

Trade compliance

Customs regulations

Cross-functional partner

Analytical skills

Communication

Job description

A global manufacturer with a complex international supply chain is expanding its Trade & Supply Chain Compliance function and looking to add a Trade Compliance Specialist to its Chicago team.

This role will serve as a key resource for U.S. import and Customs compliance, while partnering closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Operations, Finance, and other teams across the organization.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a key resource for U.S. import and Customs compliance.
• Support HTS classification, country of origin, Customs valuation, duty analysis, and import documentation.
• Monitor changing trade regulations and assess their impact on the business.
• Manage relationships with Customs brokers and third-party providers.
• Perform Customs entry audits, identify issues, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Support compliance with Section 232/301 tariffs, UFLPA, FTAs, and other trade regulations.
• Maintain accurate trade compliance data, documentation, and records.
• Partner cross-functionally on compliance issues and broader global trade initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• 3–6+ years of trade compliance, Customs, or import compliance experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs/import regulations.
• Experience with areas such as HTS classification, country of origin, valuation, duty analysis, Customs audits, broker management, and FTAs.
• Manufacturing, importing, distribution, or global supply-chain experience preferred.
• European/global trade compliance exposure is a plus.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional partnership skills.
• $80,000–$100,000 base salary + bonus
• Chicago, IL hybrid work model, in office Monday-Thursday work from home on Friday
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Additional employee benefits and programs

Why Consider It?

This is a hands-on role within a company actively building out its global Trade & Supply Chain Compliance function. The right person will be comfortable getting into the details while approaching compliance as a business partner—understanding how the organization operates and developing practical solutions rather than simply policing the business.