Trade Compliance Specialist

_**Position Summary**_

The Trade Compliance Specialist will ensure the company remains compliant with all relevant trade laws, customs regulations, and Preferential Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). This role focuses on mitigating trade-related risks, optimizing duty-saving opportunities, and ensuring regulatory adherence.

By leveraging strategic analysis and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders - including regulatory bodies - the Trade Compliance Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing compliance risks, and maintaining the integrity of the company’s international trade processes.
- **Division**_

The ECCO Group
- **Reporting structure**_

Reports to: VP of Operations

Direct Reports: N/A
- **Key Responsibilities**_

**Trade & Customs Compliance**
- Ensure compliance with all applicable trade laws and regulations, including Export and Import Customs requirements.
- Monitor changes in trade policies and regulations (e.g., tariffs, sanctions, customs procedures) and update internal processes to stay compliant.
- Oversee the classification of products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), including country of origin determination, valuation, and duty assessments.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of customs documentation and regulatory filings.
- Act as the point of contact for customs authorities and regulatory agencies to resolve any trade compliance-related issues.

**Program Development & Strategy**
- Design and implement a comprehensive trade compliance program for Canada and the U.S.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), compliance workflows, and control mechanisms for import/export processes.
- Create and deliver internal training programs to build compliance awareness across functions (e.g., Sourcing, Procurement, Logistics, Distribution, Pricing).

**Internal Controls & Risk Mitigation**
- Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Lead or support internal audits, investigations, and root cause analysis of compliance issues.
- Collaborate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and legal counsel to resolve complex trade issues.

**Continuous Improvement**
- Monitor regulatory changes and communicate impact to stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to reduce duty exposure through strategic classification, origin planning, and use of trade agreements.
- Drive improvements in system integration (e.g. ERP, TMS) to support compliance and data integrity.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Post-secondary education in International Business, Supply Chain, Legal Studies, or related field.
- Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience in trade compliance or customs operations, ideally with exposure to both Canadian and U.S. regulations.
- Strong understanding of Canada and U.S. customs regulations, including Free Trade Agreements (e.g., USMCA/CUSMA).
- Experience conducting or supporting customs audits to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Proven experience in developing, managing, and implementing trade compliance programs, SOPs, and training initiatives.
- Familiarity with manufacturing environments and a strong technical understanding of product costing elements.
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or a similar credential is considered an asset.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments.
- Working knowledge in ERP and/or TMS systems.
- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person