Trade Compliance Specialist

Akkodis; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 68,880 - 75,768; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K plan

Job summary

A dynamic technology staffing firm is seeking an experienced Interim Trade Compliance Specialist in Palo Alto, CA, for a 6-month contract. The candidate will support international parts imports and facilitate compliance with customs regulations. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely customs clearance and managing high volumes of urgent requests. Candidates should have 5+ years of import/export compliance experience and a degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in import/export compliance.
• Proven ability to independently manage customs clearance issues.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform HTS Code determination and facilitate classification requests.
• Manage customs-related issues proactively.
• Maintain clear records for HTS classifications and import activities.

Skills

Import/export compliance

HTS Code assignment

Customs clearance

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

BA/BS degree in International Trade, Business, Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

Coupa

Integration Point

Job description

Trade Compliance Specialist

Base Pay Range

$50.00/hr - $55.00/hr

Employment Type

Contract

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Location

Palo Alto, CA 94304 (Onsite)

Role Summary

Client is seeking an experienced and adaptable Interim Trade Compliance Specialist for a 6‑month contract. This individual will serve as a critical stop‑gap, immediately alleviating the urgent operational workload associated with international parts imports and ensuring continuity until our full‑time Trade Compliance Manager is onboarded. This role requires a hands‑on, proactive problem‑solver comfortable working in an undefined space, building processes, and directly interfacing with our global partners.

Responsibilities

• HTS Classification & Facilitation: Perform Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code determination and facilitate classification requests with external providers for parts and prototypes.
• Resolve Shipment Blockers: Proactively manage and resolve customs‑related issues, including responding to inquiries regarding Government Agencies like FDA, NHTSA, and EPA‑VNE.
• Supplier & Broker Coordination: Serve as a point of contact for suppliers and customs brokers to obtain necessary documentation (e.g., HAWB, Arrival Notices) and ensure timely customs clearance.
• Data Management: Maintain clear records and supporting documentation for all HTS classifications and import activities, aiding in future audits and ensuring data integrity.
• Guidance & Support: Respond to basic classification and import inquiries from internal stakeholders and external partners, escalating complex legal or policy questions as needed.
• Knowledge Transfer: Actively document processes and provide comprehensive knowledge transfer to the incoming full‑time Trade Compliance Manager, ensuring a smooth transition.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in import/export compliance, with at least 2 years directly assigning Harmonized Tariff (HTS) Codes.
• Proven ability to independently manage and troubleshoot customs clearance issues for international shipments.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, ambiguous startup environment; strong inclination identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Demonstrated urgency and adaptability in resolving time‑sensitive import issues (e.g., managing a high volume of urgent requests/emails).
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, import programs, and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interface with engineering, procurement, logistics, and international brand partners.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Self‑starter mentality with critical thinking skills; ability to address issues and make independent decisions with limited supervision.
• BA/BS degree in International Trade, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automotive or high‑tech manufacturing imports.
• U.S. Customs Broker License.
• Knowledge and experience with Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN).
• Familiarity with global trade management tools (e.g., SAP, Coupa, Integration Point, Basecamp, Witz).

Application

If you are interested in this role, then please click APPLY NOW. For other opportunities available at Akkodis, or any questions, feel free to contact me at 610 735 8972 or [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Benefits

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, additional voluntary benefits, an EAP program, commuter benefits, and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable. Disclaimer: These benefit offerings do not apply to client‑recruited jobs and jobs that are direct hires to a client.

Candidate Privacy Information

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit https://www.akkodis.com/en/privacy-policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: California Fair Chance Act; Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance; Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers; San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.