Trade Specialist- Customs Brokerage

Axel Springer hy GmbH; Columbia, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Care culture

Work-life balance

Competitive pay

Excellent benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

GHY is seeking a Trade Specialist to manage day-to-day client care, audit releases, and support the release team. You will interact professionally with clients, carriers, and Customs, ensuring accurate and compliant handling of shipments across modes.

The role requires strong customer service, advanced knowledge of US Customs rules, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with travel to Pembina, ND or Columbia, SC offices.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of related experience
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation
• Licensed Customs Broker preferred

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day Client Care, including problem resolution
• Mentor team members in day-to-day transactional processing
• Keep up to date on CBP regulations and PGA programs
• Communicate with carriers, vendors, Customs and clients by phone and email
• Audit entries for quality control
• Create and maintain internal client work instructions
• Assist in executing accurate customs entries in brokerage systems
• Maintain client database, including FTA correlations and updating annual certificates
• Other duties as required

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

US Customs knowledge

Microsoft Excel

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)

Licensed Customs Broker preferred

Tools

Customs brokerage software

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Join a Best-Managed Employer as a Trade Specialist

At GHY, we don’t just move goods across borders — we move possibilities forward. As a “Best-Managed” Employer, we’re proud to be a family-led organization where people genuinely care about their work, their clients, and one another.

For over a century, we’ve been helping importers and exporters trade confidently in global markets. With offices across Canada and the United States — including Toronto, Emerson, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, North Dakota, and South Carolina — GHY continues to grow through integrity, innovation, and care.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• We CARE:Our values guide everything we do — Clients are our focus, Associates matter, Relentlessly serving traders, Excellence and innovation in all we do.
• Work-Life Balance:Flexibility and connection matter. Our Giveback Committee, Social Committee, and Cultural Ambassadors keep our teams supported, engaged, and inspired.
• Competitive Compensation:Fair pay through scheduled salary assessments and a performance-based bonus program.
• Excellent Benefits:Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life & AD&D coverage.
• Growth & Development:Access to our internal university, leadership development program

About the Role:

Reporting to the Client Care Manager, the Trade Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day care of our clients, including the transactional audit of released shipments, database maintenance, creation of new parts and support of the release team. The Trade Specialist has a full comprehension of the release process, the ability to provide outstanding service to our clients and work with Customs in a professional manner.

What You'll Do:

• Day-to-day Client Care, including problem resolution
• Assisting, teaching, coaching and mentoring team members as needed in support of the day-to day transactional processing and client needs
• Keeping up to date on current CBP regulations and PGA programs, researching as necessary to assist clients and associates
• Engage in carrier, vendor, Customs and client communication via telephone and email
• Audit entries for quality control
• Creation and maintenance of internal client work instructions
• Assist as needed in executing accurate customs entries in brokerage systems for all modes of transportation, ensuring timely processing and submission to Customs
• Client database maintenance, including FTA correlations and updating annual certificates
• Other duties, as required

What You Bring:

• Demonstrate a strong track record of success in their current position
• Ability to represent GHY and be the voice of the company while interacting with clients and colleagues in a professional, collaborative manner
• Exceptional client service skills
• Strong, friendly, upbeat verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and logic with the ability to make objective business decisions and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to make moment of truth decisions to limit liability to GHY and our clients
• Experience successfully navigating different client nuances and SOP’s
• Self-motivated and can work independently
• Can proactively recognize problems and work to resolve them
• Advanced knowledge of US Customs rules and regulations
• Advanced knowledge of Invoice (entry) requirements
• Advanced knowledge of PGA requirements and data elements required for entry
• Advanced knowledge of tariff classification, GRI’s, GN’s and explanatory notes
• Experience with customs brokerage software
• Proficient in Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Tolerance to adversity and the capability to handle stress in a positive manner
• Ability to productively work within tight deadlines

Experience & Education:

• 3+ years of related experience
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) Designation
• Licensed Customs Broker preferred

Working Conditions:

• Sitting at desk, 90%
• Travel, 10%

Location:

• Based out of Pembina, ND (lives in MN or ND) or Columbia, SC office (lives in SC or NC)
  

Position Classification:

Wage dependent upon experience.

Location: Must be able to travel to Pembina, ND or Columbia, SC office regularly
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST /9 AM – 5:30 PM EST (40 hours/week)
Holidays: Two statutory holiday’s per year will be required to be worked

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.