Trade Compliance Specialist – Import Operations

Job Description

Position Summary

The Trade Compliance Specialist - Import Operations is responsible for managing Victaulic’s day-to-day U. S. import compliance activities.

This role serves as the primary operational liaison with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders to ensure all import entries are classified correctly, cleared without disruption, and documented in accordance with U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements.

The specialist is also responsible for supporting Free Trade Agreement (FTA) administration, supplier compliance communications, antidumping and countervailing duty (ADD/CVD) monitoring, and import-related recordkeeping. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Import Program Administration Serve as the primary point of contact with the designated customs broker for daily entry review, HTS classification inquiries, and entry corrections. Review and validate import entries for accuracy of HTS classification, country of origin (COO), customs value, and applicable duty programs (FTAs, Section 232, ADD/CVD). Process and resolve import shipment issues, holds, and CBP exam requests in coordination with broker contacts.

Review and audit broker ACE entry reports on a weekly basis to identify classification discrepancies, missed FTA claims, or tariff errors. HTS Classification & Country of Origin Process and respond to HTS/COO classification requests submitted by the customs broker and internal teams (Supply Chain, Customer Care, Sales). Review new PCM part code additions for HTS assignment accuracy prior to system entry.

Maintain and periodically audit vendor HTS submissions to ensure alignment with CBP binding rulings and Victaulic classification standards. Support country of origin determinations under the substantial transformation standard and applicable FTA rules of origin. Assist with system COO maintenance in BPCS/M3 ERP, working with IT and Supply Chain contacts.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Administration Administer annual FTA certificate of origin program for customers (USMCA, and applicable bilateral FTAs). Maintain internal FTA qualification records; coordinate supplier solicitations for USMCA origin documentation.

requirements

for steel and aluminum. Work with sourcing/supply chain to train supplier-facing staff on MTR collection and documentation

requirements

for Section 232 compliance. Support sourcing training on country of origin marking and vendor compliance document packages for new suppliers. Required

Qualifications

Regulatory Knowledge Solid working knowledge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection import procedures, HTS classification methodology (GRIs), and country of origin rules. Familiarity with Section 232 steel and aluminum tariff requirements, USMCA rules of origin, and antidumping/countervailing duty programs. Working knowledge of C-TPAT

requirements

and ACE/CBP portal systems. Basic familiarity with EAR/ECCN export classifications and OFAC sanctions screening is a plus. Technical

Skills

Proficiency in Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP/ERP) systems;

experience

with BPCS or M3/Infor is a strong advantage Strong Excel skills: pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data validation, and report preparation from large datasets.

Experience

with ACE portal and customs broker trade management platforms; ability to quickly adapt to broker-specific systems. Ability to rapidly learn new trade compliance software tools (SmartSheet, Qlik, SharePoint). Utilize AI to analyze and streamline processes data sets.

Professional Competencies Exceptional attention to detail; accuracy in entry review, classification, and data entry is non-negotiable. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interface professionally with government agencies, brokers, suppliers, and senior internal stakeholders. Proactive problem-solving mindset; able to identify compliance risks and escalate appropriately.

High ethical standards; demonstrated ability to maintain compliance integrity even under operational pressure. Ability to work calmly under pressure and with frequent interruptions.

Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred; equivalent combination of education and

experience

will be considered. Minimum 2–3 years of direct

experience

in U.S. import compliance operations, customs brokerage, or trade compliance in a manufacturing environment.

Experience

with FTA program administration (USMCA preferred). This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. EEO Statement: Victaulic is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.

Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic data, or other legally protected status. Background checks may be required as part of our pre-employment process. #TOP123 #LI-JB1 #LI-HYBRID Victaulic Staffing Partner Communication Policy All staffing agencies are strictly forbidden from directly contacting any Victaulic employees, except those within the Human Resources/Talent Acquisition team.

All communications, inquiries and candidate submissions must be routed through Victaulic's Human Resources/Talent Acquisition team. Non-compliance with this policy may result in the suspension of partnership, cancellation of the current contract, and/or the imposition of a mandatory probation period before any future business can resume. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to a permanent ban on future business.

This policy ensures a streamlined and compliant recruitment process. Victaulic is a leader in pipe joining solutions, with over 5,500 employees involved in some of the most prestigious construction projects worldwide. From the Hoover Dam to Bird’s Nest National Olympic Stadium in Beijing, Victaulic is there—increasing stability and sustainability wherever we go.

While working for a fast-growing global leader is attractive, most Victaulic employees feel our best attributes are what we do for our people. This means doing things like building from within, sticking to our word, taking care of each other, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. This blend of extraordinary opportunity and genuine caring is why so many people choose to build their lives and careers with us.