Trade Compliance Specialist

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.; Vance (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in Alabama is seeking a Trade Compliance & Special Programs Coordinator to support import compliance activities. The ideal candidate will manage customs compliance operations, focus on Section 232 tariff exclusions, and collaborate across departments. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3+ years of experience in customs compliance or international trade. This role ensures adherence to regulations and supports cross-functional initiatives within the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years in customs compliance or international trade.
• Knowledge of U.S. import regulations and HTS classification.

Responsibilities

• Support compliance with U.S. import regulations.
• Coordinate Section 232 tariff exclusion processes.
• Create dashboards related to import compliance.
• Train stakeholders on customs requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Supply Chain/Operations Management, International Trade, Business

Tools

Power BI

Qlik

Tableau

SAP

TM1

Job description

Trade Compliance & Special Programs Coordinator

Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) is seeking a Trade Compliance & Special Programs Coordinator to support U.S. import compliance activities within a global manufacturing environment. This role supports customs compliance operations, coordination of Special Programs—including Section 232 (IAO) tariff exclusions—and cross‑functional collaboration across the organization.

About Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International (MBUSI)

Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) is the production hub for Mercedes‑Benz luxury SUVs and electric vehicles in North America. Based in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, MBUSI operates one of the most advanced automotive manufacturing facilities in the world, including vehicle assembly operations and a nearby battery production facility supporting electric vehicle manufacturing. Our team members are committed to excellence through a culture that values quality, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Purpose of the Position

Under general supervision, the Trade Compliance & Special Programs Coordinator supports import‑related compliance activities to help ensure adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, applicable trade laws, and internal company policies. This role serves as the primary point of coordination for the end‑to‑end administration of Special Programs, including the Section 232 IAO request process, and works cross‑functionally with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Legal, Finance, and Logistics. The scope of responsibility covers all business lines within the legal entity, including service parts.

Key Responsibilities

Customs & Import Compliance

• Support compliance with U.S. import regulations, including CBP requirements related to classification, valuation, country of origin, and admissibility
• Assign and maintain accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications for imported products
• Review commercial documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading) prior to customs entry to confirm accuracy and compliance
• Coordinate with customs brokers to support timely and accurate import entry filings
• Monitor relevant changes in trade regulations, tariffs, and customs requirements
• Support internal audits and compliance assessments by maintaining appropriate control documentation

Special Programs – Section 232 (IAO)

• Act as the primary coordinator and point of contact for the Section 232 tariff exclusion (IAO) process
• Prepare, submit, and track Section 232 exclusion requests, ensuring completeness and alignment with internal stakeholders
• Maintain tracking tools and official documentation for all Section 232 requests and approvals
• Communicate request status and potential impacts to Purchasing, Finance, Logistics, and other stakeholders
• Support evaluation of potential exclusion opportunities based on material usage, import trends, and tariff exposure
• Support reporting on program usage, potential duty impacts, and request cycle times
• Assist in analyzing duty spend and forecasting tariff exposure to help identify potential cost‑savings opportunities

Data, Reporting & Cross‑Functional Support

• Create and maintain dashboards and tracking logs related to import compliance and Section 232 activity
• Prepare routine and ad‑hoc reports for management on compliance status, duty impacts, and key operational metrics
• Support Supply Chain teams in resolving customs holds, entry discrepancies, and import delays
• Conduct Free Trade Agreement (FTA) analysis and calculations as needed
• Train internal stakeholders on customs requirements, documentation standards, and Section 232 processes

Safety & General Responsibilities

• Perform work in accordance with all MBUSI safety policies and procedures
• Participate in required safety training programs and proactively report unsafe conditions
• Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Supply Chain / Operations Management, International Trade, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience in customs compliance, international trade, or a related discipline
• Working knowledge of U.S. import regulations, including HTS classification, valuation, and country‑of‑origin determination
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments and external partners

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Section 232 exclusion submissions (IAO)
• Manufacturing or automotive industry experience
• Familiarity with ACE, CBP rulings, and Free Trade Agreement documentation
• Experience with ERP systems or trade compliance software
• Knowledge of CTPAT and FTZ requirements
• Proficiency with dashboard and reporting tools (Power BI, Qlik, Tableau) and finance systems (SAP, TM1)
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) certification or actively working toward certification

Additional Information

• Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, age, ethnic origin, or other characteristics protected under applicable local and federal laws.