Associate Director, Import Trade Compliance & Customs

SUMMARY

Directs and controls the companys overall import trade compliance strategy with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and interaction with participating government agencies (PGA) such as Department of Transportation (DOT) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) etc. Ensures that all imported vehicles and parts etc. are properly classified valued and entered according to CBP regulations and that the appropriate duty and taxes are paid. Works with executive stakeholders throughout Subaru of America (SOA) Legal Aftersales Tax Finance and Sales. Leads tariff mitigation strategies at SOA while maintaining strict compliance. Additionally manages the companys compliance within the Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Cargo Security Program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and provides strategic direction of the administration of the companys customs and import compliance activities to support our commitment to comply with evolving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and programs.
• Establishes procedures and implements change or enhancements to meet the current business and compliance demands. Interprets and implements strategic direction based on executive orders and Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) updates assessing and minimizing risk to Subaru of America (SOA). Stays abreast of regulatory changes and provides updates and guidance to senior leadership while working closely with Finance Legal and other internal stakeholders.
• Develops strategy and directs the implementation of duty optimization programs such as: First Sale for Export (FSFE) duty drawback temporary import/export programs and Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ). Oversees and supports Customs Operations Manager on execution.
• Defines key performance indicator (KPI) framework and performance standards across customs operations and compliance. Establishes broker and software strategy selection and contractual performance expectations.
  Serves as authority on customs planning classification country of origin valuation special programs and partner government agency requirements. Optimizes use of Free/Preferential Trade Agreements (FTA/PTA) and manages the impact of trade remedies (International Emergency Economic Powers Act IEEPA Sections 232 & 301 antidumping countervailing duties).
• Designs and directs the internal audit roadmap for entry data. Conducts root-cause analyses on any filing discrepancies and authors draft prior disclosures or post-summary corrections when required. Establishes and maintains robust recordkeeping and audit documentation controls ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and internal policies while supporting audit readiness.
• Drives cross-functional collaboration and alignment with key stakeholders across Tax Finance Product Design and other business functions to ensure integration of trade compliance considerations into business operations.
• Establishes and manages SOA/Subaru Corporation (SBR) business operations to monitor cargo security procedures and establish new procedures and policies as needed. Represents the companys best interest in communicating with CBP and works to maintain SOAs standing as a low risk importer with favored Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) membership status. Maintains ownership and leadership over this program.
• Supports programs and controls to comply with Forced Labor Act requirements to prevent products mined produced or manufactured wholly or in part with forced labor from entering the United States. Works with SBR on traceability initiatives for compliance purposes such as Certificate of Origin (COO) Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD) etc.
  Additional Responsibilities

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads SOAs Annual Notification Letter to CBP on annual basis as part of C-TPAT Program.
• Maintains and updates SOAs Import Compliance Manual on annual basis.
• Works with SOA Export Compliance team on joint initiatives; knowledge of Export Compliance is a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS & PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Current on latest customs compliance laws and initiatives.

• Working knowledge of Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program requirements.

• Knowledge of customs brokerage operations (entry filing) to manage self-filing function including programming requirements needed to properly transmit import data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

• Ability to effectively lead operational/personnel changes as needed.

• Ability to communicate with employees at all levels of the company as well as with government officials.

• Ability to negotiate and manage external consulting contracts.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• U.S. Customs Broker License Required

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:Bachelors degree required with 10-12 years of work experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Office Location: Camden NJ apart of the Greater Philadelphia Area (Philly)

• Hybrid Role: Hybrid Role - Remote work 2 days per week (after 90 days) Wednesdays & Fridays

• Travel: 10% Domestic

COMPENSATION: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $175000 - $200000 / year. Within the range individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills experience and relevant education or training. Additionally this role is bonus-eligible with a target bonus percentage that provides an opportunity to earn even more based on your performance.(Internal Job Grade: D1)

WHY JOIN US In addition to competitive salary Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes:

Total Rewards & Benefits:

• Medical Dental Vision Plans

• Pension Profit Sharing and 401K Match Offerings

• 15 Vacation days 5 Floating Holidays 5 Sick days and 9 Company Holidays

• Tuition Reimbursement Program: $15000 yearly benefit

• Vehicle Discount Programs

Learning & Development:

• Professional growth and development opportunities

• Direct partnership with senior leadership

• Formal Mentorship Program

• LinkedIn Learning License

Visit our careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.

ABOUT SUBARU

Love. Its what makes Subaru Subaru. As a leading auto brand in the US we strive to be More Than a Car Company. Subaru believes in being a positive force in the communities in which we live and work not just with donations but with actions that set an example for others to follow. Thats what we call our Subaru Love Promise.

Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation safety and sustainability. With a rich history dating back to 1953 Subaru has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering to deliver vehicles that offer not only exceptional performance but also a unique blend of utility and adventure.

Subarus company culture is built on collaboration diversity and a shared passion for our product. We foster an inclusive environment that encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Our team members are driven by a common goal: to create exceptional vehicles that inspire and delight our customers.