Senior Customs Director

Almo


<div class="isg-job-description-header”>Job Description

Senior Customs Director – Job Description
Overview
We are seeking a Senior Customs Director to lead and transform our customs and trade compliance function across North America. This is a high-impact, ground-floor opportunity to build internal capabilities, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize import operations at scale.
Key Responsibilities
Customs Compliance & Oversight

  • Own end-to-end customs compliance across North America
  • Ensure accurate HTS classification for all imported products
  • Oversee and manage customs brokers and freight forwarders
  • Maintain compliance with all U.S. customs regulations

Risk Management

  • Identify and mitigate compliance risks
  • Ensure proper documentation and audit readiness
  • Monitor for exposure to penalties, duties, or chargebacks

Process Optimization

  • Evaluate and redesign customs and import processes
  • Improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost control
  • Implement best practices in trade compliance

Strategic Initiatives

  • Assess feasibility of in-house customs clearance
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities (e.g., duty drawback programs)
  • Build roadmap for internal customs function

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with operations, logistics, and procurement teams
  • Provide expertise on tariffs, duties, and trade regulations
  • Support inbound supply chain decision-making

Required

  • 10+ years in customs, trade compliance, or import/export operations
  • Deep expertise in:
    • HTS classification
    • U.S. customs regulations
    • ACE portal
    • Broker/forwarder management
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred

  • experience in distribution or manufacturing environments
  • Experience scaling or building a customs function
  • Knowledge of duty drawback programs

Skills & Competencies

  • Technical depth in customs and trade compliance
  • Independent, self-starter mindset
  • Strong stakeholder management
  • Ability to build processes from the ground up

Location

  • U.S.-based (remote eligible)
  • Preferred: Philadelphia area
  • Travel as needed to U.S. and Canadian locations

Why This Role

  • Build a critical function from the ground up
  • Direct impact on risk mitigation and cost savings
  • High visibility with senior leadership
  • Opportunity to scale into a team leadership role

Success Metrics (First 6 Months)

  • Full assessment of current customs operations
  • Elimination of compliance gaps
  • Improved broker oversight and accuracy
  • Clear roadmap for internal customs capability

Equal Opportunity Employer – minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.

 

Philadelphia, PA 

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