Customs Manager

Job Title: Customs Manager

Location: Charlotte, NC

Department: Compliance & Customs Brokerage

Reports To: Branch Manager

Position Summary

The Customs Manager is responsible for overseeing all customs compliance and brokerage activities for the company's import operations. This role ensures adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other governmental agency requirements, manages a team of customs professionals, and drives operational excellence across all customs-related functions. The Customs Manager acts as a subject matter expert, providing leadership, guidance, and support to internal teams and customers to ensure smooth and compliant import processes.

Base pay range and additional compensation are provided by Elsdon Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$70,000.00/yr - $90,000.00/yr

• Leadership & Oversight:
  • Lead, mentor, and manage the customs brokerage team to ensure accurate and timely customs clearances.
  • Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for customs compliance.
  • Monitor and evaluate team performance, providing training and coaching as needed.
• Customs Compliance & Documentation:
  • Ensure all import entries comply with CBP regulations and other participating government agency (PGA) requirements (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.).
  • Oversee preparation and submission of entry documentation including ISF filings, entry summaries, and classification data.
  • Maintain and update compliance manuals and ensure staff training on new regulations.
  • Conduct periodic internal audits to identify and correct compliance gaps.
  • Serve as the primary contact for customers on customs and compliance-related inquiries.
  • Provide guidance to clients on classification, valuation, free trade agreements, and duty recovery opportunities.
  • Coordinate with carriers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to resolve any issues promptly.
• Regulatory & Industry Relations:
  • Stay current on changes to customs regulations, trade laws, and government programs.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with CBP officers, PGAs, and trade associations.
  • Advise senior management on regulatory changes and potential impacts on operations.
  • Ensure billing accuracy for brokerage services and related fees.
  • Manage vendor contracts and evaluate service providers for cost-effectiveness.
  • Prepare reports and metrics related to customs activity, compliance performance, and cost savings initiatives.
• Process Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities to streamline customs clearance processes and improve data quality.
  • Lead or participate in cross-functional projects to enhance supply chain efficiency and compliance.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in customs brokerage, compliance, or import operations.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.

Knowledge & Skills:

• In-depth understanding of U.S. Customs regulations, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), valuation, and PGA requirements.
• Proficiency in ACE, ABI, and other customs-related systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and freight forwarding/customs software (CargoWise, Descartes, etc.).

Certifications (highly preferred):

• U.S. Customs Broker License.
• C-TPAT and other compliance program experience.
• Ethical and compliance-focused leadership.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Customer service orientation with consultative approach.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Primarily office-based, with occasional travel.
• Standard business hours (Monday–Friday), with flexibility to support urgent shipments or compliance issues after hours.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, work on a computer, and manage documentation.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Administrative
• Industries: Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage and Freight and Package Transportation

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