Ann Arbor Customs Compliance Specialist III MI 48108

The Customs Compliance Specialist III will provide direction and guidance for the implementation of Wacker’s corporate-wide Customs and Trade Compliance program and requires team-oriented skills and constant collaboration with both internal and external, local and international business partners. This role is a direct support role to the Manager of Customs & Trade Compliance for the US Region and will be auditing and investigating customs claims, trade compliance practices and inquiries.

The successful candidate must be familiar with logistics practices and the associated import and export regulations to the extent they may be called upon to support customs clearances and ensure compliance with Customs and Border Patrol practices and procedures. In addition, candidates should have a solid understanding of all regulations, directives and guidelines for customs and trade compliance, as well as have a high degree of skill in technical data analysis with the ability to locate varied sources of information & apply information obtained. The individual in this role must be able to work with the utmost integrity aligned with Wacker’s Code of Conduct & Values.

Essential Functions of this Position:

Trade Compliance -

• Trade compliance tasks related to Free Trade Agreements (FTA), Export Control practices, and adherence to requirements from other government agencies (OGAs)
• Knowledge and understanding of Country-of-Origin determination processes and procedures to support the introduction and classification of new materials
• Independent decision making to support country of origin determinations and free trade agreement qualification of products
• Evaluation and feedback about Wacker’s customs and government agency obligations to internal personnel upon request
• Research and assistance with interpreting laws and regulations (301/232, IEEPA), product descriptions, tariff codes, country of origin, and resolve import/export compliance issues for the region or country

Customs Compliance -

• Ability to coordinate all types of customs activities with customs brokers, forwarders, and logistics service providers
• Collaborates with Logistics, Supply Chain, Customer Service, supply partners, and global Wacker locations
• Conduct research, perform evaluations, and prepare reports regarding products and shipments as they relate to various customs entry types, valuation methods, licensing requirements, and related processes
• Knowledge of and support for customs recordkeeping requirements
• Support the mitigation of fines or penalties, as well as coordinate their tracking and resolution

Foreign Trade Zone -

• Understand and demonstrate the ability to engage in Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) reporting & operation if called upon to assist in or operate a designated zone
• Engage with Customs and Border Protection as required, as well as FTZ grantees for their respective zones
• Review FTZ admissions (e-214) and withdrawals for exportation and Immediate Transport (IT) bonds (QP/WP CBP Forms 7512)
• Creation of the yearly blanket CBP form 216, Annual Reconciliation, Certification Letter and FTZ Board Report
• Assessment of manipulations, destructions, and temporary removals within the designated zones (CBPF 216)
• Review or generate weekly estimates and entries for 3461s and 7501s

CTPAT -

• Participation in CTPAT Committee if and when called to do so
• Thorough review of existing CTPAT manual and program procedures to ensure ongoing compliance and identify opportunities for enhancement
• Review security profile annually
• Prepare for and participate in certification or revalidation of participating Wacker sites

Additional Projects -

• Audits of customs entries, transactions and processes and recommendations on improvements for efficiency and compliance
• Creation of quantifiable KPIs based on non-numerical data to better engage a corporate audience on compliance issues.
• Training of Wacker personnel on customs & trade compliance topics such as country-of-origin determinations, tariff or duty changes and export compliance 

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
• 5 - 7 Years international business, supply chain/ logistics, or customs and trade compliance fields; Experience in other adjacent fields considered
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES) or Customs Broker License a plus but not required
• Ability to travel up to 15%
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and written skills; demonstrated capacity to learn rapidly and collaborate effectively within a team environment with minimal supervision, while efficiently managing and prioritizing multiple responsibilities.
• Must demonstrate strong business acumen, advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, sound judgment, and effective communication across all levels of management.
• Maintaining consistent attention to detail and demonstrating the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and deliver high-quality work in a timely manner are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively, independently, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and make prompt yet well-considered decisions
• International logistics experience in global manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with trade compliance programs and regulations required.
• Candidates should be able to demonstrate familiarity with SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), SAP Global Trade Services (GTS), Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) software, as well as the ACE and CTPAT portals.
• Preferred familiarity with external audits such as ISO, RC, IATF, etc
• Requires Microsoft Office Suite experience, preference for Co-pilot, Alteryx, or similar data analysis platforms.
• Knowledge of customs entry and other customs filing processes preferred.

• Compensation and Incentive plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Wellbeing fund
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• 401(k) with company match
• Education Assistance Program
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Support for Community Involvement