Customs Compliance Specialist

Who We Are: 

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

The Customs Compliance Specialist supports U.S. and global import and export activities by ensuring compliance with U.S. and international trade laws, Customs regulations, and internal company policies. This role partners with brokers, logistics providers, and internal business teams to facilitate timely and compliant cross-border shipments, while mitigating risks and supporting operational efficiency.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Ensure adherence to U.S. and international Customs regulations, including HTS classification, valuation, and country of origin requirements.

• Monitor and audit import/export transactions, including HTS classification, to confirm accuracy and compliance with Customs laws and company standards.

• Collaborate with Customs brokers, freight forwarders, internal stakeholders and logistics teams to ensure timely and compliant clearance of goods.

• Respond to inquiries from Customs authorities, brokers, and internal stakeholders regarding trade compliance issues.

• Maintain and organize all documentation required for Customs entry and recordkeeping in compliance with statutory retention requirements.

• Support corrective actions for compliance risks, post-entry amendments, and government inquiries or audits.  Notify manager of repetitive issues or non-compliances to prevent future instances and determine best practices.

• Assist in the development, maintenance, and communication of Customs compliance procedures and training.

• Partner with internal teams to implement process improvements that enhance compliance and efficiency.  Determine areas of improvement needed and provide manager with ways to improve process flows.

• Call out system issues or inconsistencies, copy manager.

• Other duties as assigned and needed due to regulatory trade changes and team coverage.  Duties may shift as Trade Team priorities shift, need for flexibility and team mentality.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field; or equivalent experience.

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in Customs compliance, trade compliance, or import/export operations preferred.

• Licensed Customs Broker and/or Certified Customs Specialist strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of U.S. and international Customs regulations, HTS classification, valuation, and free trade agreements.

• Footwear/apparel classification experience beneficial.

• Demonstrated ability to work with Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies including partner government agencies such as CPSC, USDA.  Ability to review AD/CVD scope language and determine applicability.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), email, and familiarity with trade compliance (e.g. ACE) and business systems (e.g Order Management, ERP, PLM- Flex).

• Demonstrated ability to read, write and speak English fluently; ability to match numbers/letters.

• Strong verbal and written skills utilizing appropriate demeanor, proper grammar/spelling, and respectful tone to communicate clearly and effectively; professional phone/Microsoft Teams on-camera demeanor.

• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), WMS and email.

• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills; detail oriented.

• Attention to detail, learning mind-set and collaborative mindset/working style. Ability to learn and retain processes and procedures in a changing environment.

Lawrence, MA Distribution Center Only Pay Range: $76,900.00 - $99,300.00 - $121,600.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.