Global Sustainability & Compliance - Trade & Customs Compliance Import Manager

Open Position:

Global Sustainability & Compliance - Trade & Customs Compliance Import Manager

Salary Range: $110,000 - $145,000

Costco Wholesale offers a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance, health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase plan to eligible employees. 

Location: Issaquah, WA

California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice.

Description of Position 

The Trade & Customs Compliance department is responsible for international trade compliance programs, including U.S. Imports, Supply Chain Security, Trusted Trader, U.S. Exports, and Global Sanctions. The Trade & Customs Compliance Import Manager will lead and manage team activities, projects, and programs to ensure that Costco is in full compliance with all applicable international trade laws, regulations, restrictions, and company policies. This role works closely with multiple departments and divisions, and collaborates with external third parties to support the import program.

Job Duties/Essential Functions

• Manages team activities, monitor workloads, and outcomes to ensure compliance, and meet performance expectations.
• Conducts performance reviews, coach and mentor employees, and support professional development.
• Develops, evaluates, and maintains import policies, procedures, resources, and job aids.
• Analyzes processes and data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Monitors trade policies, regulations, and restrictions, applying changes to business processes.
• Communicates and educates stakeholders on policy changes, procedures, and new regulations.
• Oversees service providers (including customs brokers and consultants), monitor performance expectations, update standard operating procedures, and develop improvement plans as needed.
• Manages import classification program to determine proper product duty rates, trade agreement eligibility, tariff mitigation opportunities, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees participation in trusted trader programs, including maintaining account profile, annual updates, and reporting.
• Coordinates responses to requests for information and/or audits from government agencies.
• Ensures the timely and accurate customs clearance of import shipments, resolving customs clearance issues, and document discrepancies.
• Administers post entry audit program, including post entry corrections, metrics, root cause analysis, and implement corrective measures as needed.
• Serves as a project lead on new import initiatives, program expansions, and systems implementations.
• Leads efforts to implement technology solutions for process automation and workflow simplification.
• Develops, administers, and organizes training programs, compliance resources, and reference materials.

Experience, Skills, Education & Licenses/Certifications Required:

• Minimum 5+ years trade compliance and import/export experience.
• S. Customs Broker License and/or other professional certification (CCS, CES).
• Expert knowledge of global trade regulations, customs brokerage, classification, valuation, country of origin, duty preference programs, and licensing requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret government regulations.
• Proven leadership, process development, and project management experience with a problem-solving mindset.
• Detail oriented and self-motivated, with excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft applications and other internal systems.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Recommended:

• Bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree or professional certification in related field.
• Knowledge of retail operations: purchasing, merchandising, accounting, and international transportation.
• Advanced knowledge of technology tools to analyze data, create reports, and manage workflow.