Manager of Logistics and Compliance (51566)

Gradian is an engineering-led, full-line thermal solutions partner serving data center and other mission-critical, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Maple Grove, MN, with additional facilities across North America, we design and manufacture liquid cooling systems, air handling equipment, heat rejection units, and modular, factory-assembled thermal management solutions.

Gradian was founded through the unification of four complementary, established brands: MAS HVAC, Daedex, DeepCoolAI, and EcoChillers. Together, we act as a single-source provider, deploying cooling technologies as scalable systems optimized for efficiency, spatial constraints, and overall performance. With a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing model, we pair rapid design turnaround with precision fabrication, so customers can move faster on complex projects where reliability, timeline, and quality all matter.

Why work here

At Gradian, you'll work alongside others who get genuinely fired up by complex problems, see your work go from first sketch to job site in weeks, not years, and know that while we're developing the technologies critical for AI infrastructure to scale, our culture remains people-first by design.

It is core to our identity that we operate as one team — driving to win together, energizing others, and building lasting relationships that make the work fun and rewarding.

Position Summary:

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Logistics & Compliance Manager to oversee our transportation operations while ensuring strict adherence to import, export, and regional shipping regulations. In this dual-function role, you will manage end-to-end logistics operations, partner with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and safeguard business operations against trade, customs, and transportation compliance risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Logistics & Freight Management: Direct daily freight operations, including carrier selection, route optimization, freight audit and payment, and performance management across domestic and international lanes.
• Regulatory & Trade Compliance: Develop, execute, and monitor trade compliance programs covering import/export regulations, HTS classification, Customs Valuation, Country of Origin determinations, and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) qualifications.
• Customs & Broker Management: Serve as the primary liaison with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and regulatory bodies (e.g., CBP, DOT, BIS) to ensure smooth customs clearance and minimize audit risks.
• Carrier & Vendor Operations: Establish key performance metrics (KPIs) for carriers and 3PL providers; negotiate contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and rate structures to optimize transport costs.
• Policy & SOP Documentation: Formulate, publish, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for logistics processes, hazardous materials (Hazmat) handling, and trade compliance protocols.
• Audit & Risk Mitigation: Conduct regular internal audits on shipping documentation, export control licenses, and compliance records to ensure full readiness for external agency inspections.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Advise internal teams (procurement, legal, sales, finance) on tariffs, duty drawback opportunities, sanctions, and regulatory changes affecting international trade.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 5–8+ years of experience in logistics operations and trade compliance, including demonstrated experience managing global transport and customs documentation.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR), EAR (Export Administration Regulations), and ITAR (if applicable).
• Strong working knowledge of Incoterms 2020, HTS classification, and Harmonized System codes.
• Experience working with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and Global Trade Services (GTS) software.

Certifications (Highly Preferred):

• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO).
• Hazmat/DOT/IATA shipping certification is a plus.
• APICS/ASCM Certification (CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD).
• Experience supporting high-mix/low-volume or high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing PFEP systems and materials flow strategies.
• Familiarity with SIOP/S&OP planning processes.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Autonomous in nature; highly accountable

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Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Group term life insurance coverage
• HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care plans available
• 8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, and generous PTO policy
• 401k matching
• Annual safety shoe allowance
• Education assistance program

 EEO Statement:

Gradian is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status.

Employment decisions at Gradian are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and actively promote a culture of fairness, equity, and opportunity.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable laws.