Trade Compliance Specialist

Volkswagen of America, Inc; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automobile manufacturer in Virginia is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to manage import/export operations and ensure compliance with regulations. This role requires 5 to 7 years of experience in logistics and customs, along with a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. You will report directly to the Director of Customs and Trade Compliance, working in a hybrid model that emphasizes collaboration and integrity. Join us to contribute to our compliance vision.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of direct experience with international logistics and customs systems.
• 3-5 years experience in an automotive compliance role.
• Working knowledge of customs valuation rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operational responsibility for production vehicle imports.
• Lead export compliance training.
• Manage internal control programs for compliance.

Skills

Analytical and conceptual thinking

Communication skills

Computer savvy

Influencing and negotiation skills

Detail Orientation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Political Science or equivalent experience

Licensed US Customs Broker

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Join to apply for the Trade Compliance Specialist role at Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

This position is Career Level 19P located in Reston VA, with a Role Classification of Hybrid.

Role Summary

The role requires team-oriented skills and extensive and constant collaboration with respective NAR leadership and colleagues, other business units within NAR as well as VWGoA, VWAG, and other foreign corporate entities logistics and customs departments. The role also actively promotes the company’s vision of integrity and compliance and collaborates with team members in support of these company principles. The role is a key support role to the Director of Customs and Trade Compliance in all aspects of the customs operation.

Role Responsibilities

Trade Compliance Operations 75%

• Daily operational responsibility of production vehicles imported by VWGoA (all brands)
• Primary contact supporting VWGoA export operations
• Export compliance training lead
• Daily Parts operations processing
• Daily exception management related to import activity to resolve outstanding issues
• Create/manage document retention files for all Customs entries
• Customs entry verification processing and Post Entry support
• Report/log issues and work with Customs broker for corrective action and final resolution
• Acts as a support function for Customs compliance functions when/where applicable.
• Validate information against data in VWGoA import processing system
• Daily HTS classification activities for parts and equipment
• Liaise with broker on import/export customs clearance for vehicles and parts, to ensure that import and export activities are executed timely and accurately
• Lead and conduct entry audits to determine import/export compliance
• Track performance of Customs service providers, compliance programs and savings opportunities for monthly reporting
• Ensure Model Code data entry to Global Trade Management system is timely and correct to ensure smooth import process.
• Vehicle Removal Approvals /Prototype Vehicle Tracking/Reminder Emails
• Oversight of test vehicle program for VWGoA including communicating requirements for timely processing/import/export of test vehicles.
• Customs facilitation of Eworkflow changes and adjustments for permanent and temporary removals
• Provide support to VWGoA after sales groups (all brands) to ensure compliant and timely duty payments
• Work with End User of Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) to understand basic process and function of the FTZ from a Customs business perspective. Provide support for FTZ operations
• Other tasks & duties as

Trade Compliance reporting and Support 25%

• Develop and manage internal control programs for import and export compliance
• Research and provide technical assistance in interpretation of laws/regulations, product description, harmonized tariff codes, country of origin and for the resolution of all import/export compliance issues for the region/country.
• Positively represents VWGoA to government agencies as required.
• Provide detailed, accurate reporting to management on a daily and ad-hoc basis.
• Work in collaboration with Purchasing and Suppliers to verify country of origin status for Free Trade Agreement purposes.
• Value Reconciliation Analysis Filing
• USMCA Reconciliation Analysis Filing
• FTA/USMCA Solicitation and Certification validation
• FTA/USMCA Qualification Calculation and Analysis Reporting
• Ad Hoc query analysis request as needed out of Customs Software platform
• Customs representative with controlling team for payment and billing processes.
• Tariff reporting and analysis as required for VWGoA and VWAG
• Monthly Department of Labor Bureau Price Index Data Reporting
• Other tasks & duties as assigned

Qualifications

Years of Experience:

• 5 to 7 years of direct experience with international logistics and customs systems and formalities

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Political Science or equivalent experience

Desired Education:

• Licensed US Customs Broker

Skills:

• Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic
• Communication skills – interpersonal/presentation/written for all levels of management and support staff
• Computer savvy – proficient in all areas of MS Office with demonstrated higher level capabilities in MS Excel
• Integration – joining people, processes or systems
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Demonstration of complex problem solving
• Initiative – self-starter, ability to work independently
• Detail Orientation – demonstrated record of precision and integrity

Required Skills:

• 3-5 years experience in an automotive compliance role or equivalent
• 4 year Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Business, Finance or a combination of education and experience.
• Working experience in automotive import regulations.

• Working knowledge of customs valuation rules, reconciliation concepts, entry audits, clearance procedure, classification rules and PGA requirements.
• Conceptual understanding of Duty Drawback, FTZ, FTA,
• Knowledge of accounting procedures;
• Understanding of Logistics operation processes, Inventory flows, database management;
• Understanding of purchasing, accounting and goods receipt relationships;
• Working knowledge of SAP/ ERP – MM & PP

• Understanding of automotive-related Customs regulations
• Familiarity with writing Customs rulings and responding to Customs requests for information
• Working knowledge of U.S. Customs procedures & trade practices & ability to interpret regulations
• Working knowledge of federal & international Customs laws & familiarity with various sources of Customs information
• Working knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification rules
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, select audit samples & write result reports
• Ability to independently undertake the development, implementation, & on-going management of Customs processes & procedures
• Ability to integrate existing & new Customs procedures into the Corporation through cooperative work with other processes
• Ability to work independently
• Analytical skills & ability to recognize areas that create Customs concerns & adjustments
• Ability to locate varied sources of information & apply information obtained

Desired Skills:

• Microsoft Office Proficiency
• Spanish language fluency

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.