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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Trade Specialist

💰 $70,000 - $115,000

LogisticsSupply ChainComplianceInternational Business

🎯 Role Definition

The Trade Specialist is a cornerstone of a company's global supply chain, serving as the subject matter expert for all matters related to import and export compliance. This role is responsible for navigating the complex web of international trade regulations to ensure the seamless, lawful, and cost-effective movement of goods across borders. By meticulously managing customs processes, classifying products, and leveraging trade agreements, the Trade Specialist mitigates risk, optimizes duty expenses, and enables the organization to expand its international footprint confidently. They act as a critical liaison between internal departments, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and government agencies, ensuring that all trade activities align with both corporate policy and legal mandates.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Import/Export Coordinator
  • Logistics Analyst
  • Compliance Clerk or Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Trade Specialist or Trade Compliance Manager
  • Director of Global Trade Compliance
  • Global Logistics Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Procurement or Sourcing Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customs brokers and freight forwarders to resolve daily operational issues, ensuring timely customs clearance and accurate entry filing.
  • Determine and assign correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN), and Schedule B codes for the company's entire product portfolio.
  • Meticulously review and audit import/export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading, to ensure accuracy and full compliance with customs regulations.
  • Manage and maintain a comprehensive database of product classifications, country of origin information, and supporting documentation for audit and record-keeping purposes.
  • Analyze and qualify goods for eligibility under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as USMCA, and manage the solicitation and issuance of certificates of origin.
  • Conduct denied party screening and sanctioned-party list screening for all relevant transactions to prevent violations of export control and embargo regulations.
  • Prepare, file, and manage export license applications with government agencies like the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).
  • Lead the company's participation in and maintenance of trusted trader programs, such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO).
  • Develop, implement, and maintain internal trade compliance policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure company-wide adherence to regulations.
  • Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments of import and export activities to identify compliance gaps, and subsequently develop and implement corrective action plans.
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  • Proactively monitor and analyze changes in global trade regulations, tariffs, and sanctions, and communicate the potential business impact to relevant stakeholders.
  • Calculate and verify duties, taxes, fees, and other customs-related charges to support accurate landed cost modeling and financial accruals.
  • Manage the duty drawback program, identifying opportunities and filing claims to recover duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported.
  • Act as the key resource for internal teams (e.g., Logistics, Sales, Engineering, Finance) by providing expert guidance on international trade compliance matters.
  • Manage the response process for official government inquiries, such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Requests for Information (CF-28) and Notices of Action (CF-29).

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends in duty spend, broker performance, and compliance risk.
  • Contribute to the organization's global trade and data strategy and roadmap, suggesting process improvements and technology enhancements.
  • Collaborate with business units and engineering teams to translate new product or market entry needs into clear trade compliance requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if the role is embedded within a technology-focused logistics or supply chain team.
  • Assist in negotiating contracts and service level agreements with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trade compliance software vendors.
  • Develop and deliver trade compliance training programs for employees across various departments to raise organizational awareness and competency.
  • Support the valuation of imported merchandise according to customs regulations, including the proper declaration of assists, royalties, and other additions to the price paid or payable.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Tariff Classification: Expert-level proficiency in classifying goods using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and Schedule B, as well as ECCN for export controls.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of import/export regulations, including 19 CFR, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
  • Free Trade Agreements (FTA): Strong ability to analyze bills of material and manufacturing processes to determine FTA eligibility and manage a qualification program.
  • Customs Valuation: Knowledge of the principles and methodologies for determining the customs value of imported goods.
  • Trade Systems Proficiency: Hands-on experience with the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and Automated Export System (AES).
  • ERP/GTM Systems: Experience with trade compliance modules in major ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) or Global Trade Management (GTM) software (e.g., Amber Road, Integration Point).
  • Licensed Customs Broker (LCB): LCB certification is highly desirable and often a key differentiator.
  • Data Analysis: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables) for analyzing large datasets related to trade and duties.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An ability to identify minute discrepancies in complex documentation and data is absolutely critical to avoid costly compliance errors.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: The capacity to research complex regulations, analyze a given trade scenario, and develop a clear, compliant solution.
  • Effective Communication: The skill to clearly and concisely explain complex trade concepts to both internal stakeholders and external partners (brokers, government agents).
  • Project Management: The ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, such as a classification project or a C-TPAT validation, from conception to completion.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: A natural ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including legal, finance, logistics, and engineering, to achieve common goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field or a U.S. Customs Broker License.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • International Business or International Trade
  • Supply Chain Management & Logistics
  • Business Administration or Law

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in a trade compliance, import/export, or global logistics role.

Preferred: Experience in a corporate environment managing trade compliance for a physical product-based company is highly valued over experience solely within a broker or forwarder.

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