Purpose
This lead position provides analytical and procedural input and guidance regarding adidas customs compliance activities. The role serves as a subject matter expert for import and export compliance, ensures transactions comply with United States laws and regulations, and works cross-functionally with supply chain teams, outside counsel, suppliers, software providers, logistics providers, and customs brokers.
The position drives data-based decision-making through strong analytical skills, reporting tools, process improvement, and project execution to enhance operational efficiency and reduce compliance risk.
Key responsibilities
- Serve as the key resource and subject matter expert on import/export compliance and daily operational activities.
- Resolve daily import compliance and clearance issues with customs brokers and third-party logistics providers.
- Communicate with government agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FDA, EPA, and Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Ensure permits and registrations related to import activities are obtained and updated.
- Monitor the ACE portal and address requests for further information from CBP.
- Support Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism programs.
- Provide stakeholders with training on import and customs matters.
- Assist with strategic cost-saving initiatives such as duty drawback, free trade agreements, and duty suspension regimes.
- Create, update, and maintain customs compliance processes and procedures.
- Provide reporting and KPIs identifying potential risk areas.
- Support the Senior Customs Manager and provide workflow direction to Customs Analysts.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data for reporting and KPI tracking.
- Investigate variances, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
- Build and maintain import and export compliance dashboards covering duty spend, entries, exceptions, and KPIs.
- Perform trend analyses to identify compliance gaps and process risks.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Extensive knowledge of imports, exports, customs brokerage, HTS classification, inventory control systems, warehousing, and logistics.
- Strong organization, communication, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret government regulations, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently or as part of a team.
- Strong Excel and Access skills.
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university or relevant experience.
- Two to five years of experience in customs compliance, international transportation, and/or logistics operations.
- Licensed Customs Broker preferred; Certified Customs Specialist is a plus.
Benefits and work policy
adidas offers medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, disability, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase, education assistance, paid parental leave, paid holidays, flexible time off, and bonus opportunities.
This is a hybrid role requiring office attendance Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays. The working location is Spartanburg, South Carolina.