NA Customs Compliance Manager

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The NA Customs Compliance Manager is responsible for managing and maintaining the company’s North America customs compliance program across all import and export activities. This role ensures full compliance with US and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requirements while supporting efficient, uninterrupted automotive manufacturing operations. The position requires strong technical expertise in customs valuation, tariff classification, and origin determination, along with the ability to work cross-functionally across supply chain, finance, tax, engineering, logistics, and external service providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the US and Canadian customs compliance framework, including policies, procedures, internal controls, and audit readiness
• Ensure accurate and defensible tariff classification, customs valuation, and origin determinations for all imported goods, including production materials, machinery, tooling, and service parts
• Serve as the technical authority on customs valuation matters, including transaction value, assists, royalties, tooling, freight, insurance, and related-party considerations
• Oversee origin qualification and documentation for applicable free trade agreements, including CUSMA/USMCA and CETA, and manage supplier solicitation and verification processes
• Maintain HS classification governance, including classification databases, rationale documentation, and alignment with service providers
• Manage responses to CBSA audits, verifications, and compliance reviews, including corrective actions, adjustments, and voluntary disclosures where required
• Manage relationships with customs brokers and third-party service providers, including performance monitoring, KPIs, and regular compliance reviews
• Partner with internal stakeholders (Supply Chain, Purchasing, Engineering, Finance, Tax, Legal, and IT) to embed customs compliance into business processes
• Support and maintain CBSA program participation, including CARM compliance, PIP and Customs Self-Assessment (CSA)
• Oversee Canadian export compliance processes, including alignment with CBSA export reporting requirements and internal controls
• Monitor regulatory changes and support implementation of process updates, training, and communication across the organization

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• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation or equivalent customs/trade certification (required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience in customs compliance, preferably within automotive or large-scale manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated expertise in customs valuation, tariff classification, and origin determination
• Strong foundational knowledge of the CBSA CARM system
• Strong working knowledge of CBSA legislation, regulations, and compliance programs, including audit and verification processes
• Proven experience managing customs brokers and external service providers
• Experience with Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) Trusted Trader Program
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical customs requirements into practical business guidance
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience supporting CBSA Trusted Trader programs (e.g., CSA Platinum) and customs modernization initiatives
• Automotive industry experience supporting high-volume, just-in-time manufacturing environments

Core Competencies

• Deep technical customs expertise (valuation, origin, classification)
• Risk management and audit readiness mindset
• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Process improvement and compliance automation orientation
• High professional integrity and sound judgment