trade compliance specialist

Job Description
ABOUT OUR COMPANY:
For 60 years, The ECCO Group has enjoyed continual growth, and our manufacturing division leads the market for sheet metal HVAC products in Western Canada. Our ECCO Supply division is a full-service wholesale distributor of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) supplies and equipment. With sales branches located in centers throughout Western and Central Canada, we are expanding our team with individual's eager improve customer experience and drive significant market growth.

About The Position
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.

Additionally, this position will lead the development, implementation, and management of company-wide compliance program for cross-border trade activities in Canada and the U.S. The successful candidate will establish internal controls, SOPs, and training initiatives to ensure adherence to Canadian and U.S. customs laws, export regulations, and trade agreements.

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