Customs Brokerage Director

Job Description

About SEKO

SEKO started out in business in 1976, operating out of a single Chicago office. Since then, we have built a solid reputation throughout the world as an innovative and flexible provider of first-class logistics services. We provide complete Supply Chain Solutions, specializing in transportation, logistics, forwarding and warehousing. We also lead the industry with innovative and customizable IT solutions, which provide a seamless flow of information and give our growing customer base true supply chain visibility. With over 120 offices in 40 countries worldwide, our unique shareholder management model enables you to benefit from Global implementation experience and expertise across all industry sectors, coupled with vital in-country knowledge and service at the local level.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

Sets CHB Product priorities and a multi-year roadmap, and works with CHB Managers and Supervisors to foster a culture of compliance, integrity, and excellence.

Provides leadership for supervisory personnel, licensed brokers, entry writers, and compliance staff, assisting with problem solving as needed to ensure customer retention and satisfaction.

Train and mentor team members on customs compliance and best practices, enhancing their professional development and performance.

Conduct annual goal setting and performance evaluation reviews for direct reports while ensuring all staff within the department receive goals and reviews.

Oversee all aspects of customs clearance processes to ensure compliance with CBP regulations, PGA requirements, and company policy while ensuring accurate and timely entry filing through ABI/ACE across air, ocean, truck/cross-border, and e-commerce shipments.

Lead customs strategy, compliance, and risk for SEKO’s cross-border e-commerce business, including high-volume, low-value shipments moving by express, air, postal, and truck. Ensure low-value shipments are cleared under the appropriate entry process, with full HTS classification and duty, tax, and fee collection and drive data quality for parcel-level entries through automated classification, validation rules, and system integrations with marketplaces, platforms, and fulfillment partners.

Maintain SEKO’s corporate customs broker license and national permit in good standing; monitor and ensure the CBP Annual Permit/User Fee and Triennial Status Report are paid and submitted timely.

Conduct audits and assessments of classification, valuation, country of origin, free trade agreement claims, and entry accuracy; implement corrective actions and update SOPs as necessary.

Stay abreast of changes in customs regulations and trade policy, including additional-duty programs, tariff refund processes, and PGA requirements, ensuring the organization, clients, and brokerage

Establish and monitor KPIs for compliance, accuracy, timeliness, productivity, and cost-to-serve, and report results to senior leadership.

Champion the customs entry platform (e.g., CargoWise, Descartes, or equivalent) and drive automation, data integration, and process standardization. Keep abreast of emerging technology changes and innovations through formal or informal study, reading business and professional publications, networking, and participation in professional organizations.

Maintains profitability of the department through ownership of the brokerage P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and expense control. Oversee Accounts Receivable and Payable for brokerage services, including duty and fee advances, ACH/statement payments, and collection risk.

Act as the Compliance point of contact between Sales, Operations, and key clients as brokerage SME.

Support new business acquisition, including RFQs, solution design, client presentations, and onboarding. Lead implementation and ongoing account maintenance for brokerage customers, advising on classification, duty mitigation, FTA use, and regulatory change.

Establish and maintain relationships with CBP, PGAs, ports, and industry associations.

network adapt accordingly.

Support SEKO’s CTPAT participation and supply chain security requirements as they relate to brokerage operations.

Participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace. Comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures. Co-operate with management in its fulfilment of its legislative obligations.

Other duties as assigned by management.

REQUIREMENTS

Deep knowledge of U.S. customs regulations (19 CFR), tariff classification (HTSUS), valuation, country of origin, and import/export processes.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex regulatory issues and develop strategic solutions.

Knowledge of Free Trade Agreements (including USMCA), CTPAT, additional tariff requirements, PGAs, ACE/ABI, ACH, drawback, and all other related trade legislation, rules, and regulations.

Working knowledge of the CBP Reconciliation program, including flagging, filing deadlines, bond rider requirements, and Reconciliation liquidation.

Knowledge of e-commerce and low-value shipment clearance requirements, including formal and informal entry, express consignment, and postal processes following the suspension of de minimis.

Experience managing compliance processes, internal audits, and responses to CBP inquiries and penalties.

In depth knowledge of the company’s products, services, and operations.

Demonstrated success in leading, supervising, managing, and developing managers, staff, and high-performance teams across multiple locations.

Ability to manage the financial aspects of a department (purchasing, budget preparation and review, financial reporting, and monitoring expenses).

Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple projects and set priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

Ability to make customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions, developing and sustaining productive relationships.

Ability to communicate and interact effectively with people from multi-functional and diverse backgrounds.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, employees, customers, and government officials.

Ability to maintain and grow positive relationships with staff, customers, sales, finance, service partners, and foreign personnel.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum seven years’ related experience in customs brokerage, with a strong understanding of international trade regulations and customs compliance.

Minimum of five years supervisory experience required

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in logistics, supply chain, international business, or related field preferred
• Ten or more years of customs brokerage experience, including leadership of high-volume, multi-site or national brokerage operations.
• Experience administering a Customs Reconciliation program and filing Reconciliation entries.
• Experience with high-volume, cross-border e-commerce or express clearance operations.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or Certified Export Specialist (CES).
• Experience with customs entry and trade compliance systems such as CargoWise or Descartes.

SPECIALIST CERTIFICATIONS

• Active U.S. Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) in good standing with CBP – required

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that base salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (Producer roles only).

Compensation

The base salary compensation range being offer for this role is $137,400 - $196,300 USD per year. This role is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus.

SEKO Logistics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Benefits Designed with You in Mind

At SEKO Logistics, we are committed to supporting your well-being, professional growth, and financial stability (eligibility requirements apply). Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Commuter Account (IL only), Flexible Spendings Account, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Accident, Group Accident, Critical Illness and hospital indemnity program, Life Insurance, AD&D, Wellbeing Program and Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
• Leave Benefits: Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state/local paid leave where required), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave)
• Retirement Benefits: Contributory Savings Plan (401k).

SEKO Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.