Trade Compliance Lead

Implus Footcare, LLC is an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 20+ brands in footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement categories. Implus is headquartered in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC with locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Our brand family includes Balega, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, Perfect, Sport-Brella, DryGuy, SKLZ, RockTape, Sof Sole, Stabil, Spenco, Yaktrax, Apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Forcefield. From insoles, socks, and shoe care to fitness equipment and seasonal accessories, Implus' products are sold in over 80,000 retail locations across North America and in over 70 countries worldwide.

At Implus we are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture. We encourage & value different perspectives and are seeking a Trade Compliance Lead who shares our commitment to inclusivity and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Trade Compliance Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing trade compliance programs for North America to ensure adherence to import, export, and customs regulations. Partners with internal stakeholders including Sourcing, Transportation, Distribution Ops, Legal, and Operations Compliance.  Works with external partners – customs brokers, trade consultants, origin logistics partner, small parcel carriers, freight forwarders, trade counsel, vendors, etc. - to reduce risk, improve compliance performance, and enable efficient cross‑border movement of goods. 

Essential Job Function:        

• Regulatory Compliance:  Ensure company compliance with applicable U.S. and international trade laws, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, Customs regulations (CBP), and other jurisdictional requirements.
• Import & Export Management: Product classification (HTS, Schedule B, ECCN).  Restricted party screening for potential vendors and potential customers.  EEI Filing.  Main point of contact for origin logistics partner to manage ISF Filing.  Main point of contact for customs broker on entry filing, entry amendment, and entry protest.  Ensure key trade-related product data managed in Implus product master and in other internal data tracking & management tools is timely and accurate.  Ensure timely and accurate trade-related data is provided to external partners for ISF and customs entry. Conduct periodic audits of ISF filings, broker entries and internal processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.  Evaluate receiving exceptions for post-entry amendment.  Maintain updated SOPs documenting Implus regulatory compliance policy and procedure.
• CTPAT Program Management: Manage factory surveys, audits, and corrective action plans.  Work with Human Resources, Information Technology, Sourcing, Transportation, and Distribution Operations to ensure compliance with company supply chain security requirements as required by and/or reported to customs.
• Duty Drawback Management: Manage import transaction data/documentation and export transaction data/documentation as required to support successful duty drawback claim filing.  Monitor duty drawback partner progress preparing, submitting, and collecting duty drawback claims.  Serve as primary point of contact for resolving duty drawback related problems
• Compliance Program Development:  Develop and deliver training on trade compliance requirements for cross-functional teams.  Lead internal assessments, corrective action plans, and process improvements.  
• Risk Management & Reporting: Identify trade-related risks and implement controls to mitigate exposure.  Prepare and submit compliance reports, disclosures, and documentation to government agencies as required. 
• Duty Expense Management:  Maintain spreadsheet tracking various duties & import fees expected for each item in Implus USA/Canada product assortment and ensure product master reflects total expected duty rate for each item.  Monitor estimated duty/fees against actual duty/fees and research variances.  Track duty/fees by type.   
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sourcing, Transportation, Legal, Operations Compliance, Distribution Operations, Finance to support business objectives while maintaining compliance.  Provide guidance on new business initiatives, global expansions, or product changes that impact trade compliance.

Other Functions:

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Regulatory Knowledge & Compliance Expertise including Import/Export Regulations, Sanctions & Embargoes, Export Controls, Free Trade Agreements & Origin Rules, Customs Valuation & Documentation
• Operational Compliance & Systems including Restricted Party Screening, Customs Broker Management, Recordkeeping & Compliance Documentation, Internal Controls & SOPs
• Risk Management & Auditing including Internal Audits/Self Assessments, Regulatory Investigations Response, Risk Assessment & Mitigation Planning, Corrective Actions
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication including Cross-functional collaboration, training & change management, stakeholder management, communication skills
• Strategic & Business Acumen including cost-saving/duty reduction programs, understanding of global supply chain, regulatory intelligence
• Strong organizational skills
• Intermediate excel skills
• Ability to solve problems when they arise
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work effectively across different cultures, functions, and levels, inside and outside Implus organization
• Results driven and able to deliver
• Strong attention to detail and able to maintain accuracy in a high-speed operation
• Project management and continuous improvement mindset
• Ethical judgement and confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications:      

• 5-10 years trade compliance experience (import and export)
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and international trade regulations
• Experience with HTS/ECCN classification, licensing, and customs procedures
• Prior experience working in a multinational environment

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in international business, supply chain, law, or related field preferred
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB), Certified Export Specialist) preferred
• Experience with global logistics, ERP trade functionality
   

Relevant Working Conditions & Physical Demands:                    

• Visual Abilities: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, read reports, create presentations and use a computer system.
• Hearing: Communicate with co-workers, vendors, and partners
• Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer equipment.
• Mobility: Open files and operate office machines; move between departments and attend meetings.
• Talking: Frequently convey detailed or important instructions and ideas accurately and clearly.
• Reliable attendance required
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple interruptions.
• May require occasional travel
• Exposed: Standard climate-controlled office setting

Implus is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/belief, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected status under the law. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]m