Customs Specialist

The Customs Consulting & Compliance Specialist is responsible for promoting our customs brokerage services, engaging potential clients, and scheduling appointments with the Customs Consulting & Compliance Manager. The Customs Consulting & Compliance Specialist must be capable of interfacing with all levels of a client environment from senior executive management to operational employees, and able to build, maintain and grow relationships with clients. Strong regulatory, analytical, financial, business communication, and organizational skills are required while meeting all consulting deliverables. 

Customs Consulting & Compliance Specialist responsibilities and essential job functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Support selling of consulting engagements and promote AFC International as the leader in Customs and Trade consulting services.
• Identify and reach out to potential clients through various channels, including phone calls, emails, and social media.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs in order to provide tailored solutions.
• Effectively communicate the benefits, features and competitive advantages of our customs brokerage services to potential clients.
• Consult with new importers on U.S. Customs and PGA regulations.
• Provide U.S. Customs Clearance guidance in response to existing and prospect customer questions. 
• Book appointments for potential clients to meet with the Customs Consulting & Compliance Manager for detailed consultations.
• Keep current with developing trends, new regulations and CBP or PGA programs
• Regular and reliable attendance, with or without reasonable accommodation, is an essential function of this position and is crucial for maintaining workflow and productivity.
• The above job functions are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may be asked to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Qualification, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High School Diploma or GED; Bachelor Degree in International Business/Trade, Supply Chain Management, or other relevant academic discipline and/or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) certification and/or US Customs Broker license or have the ability to obtain either within 1 year of employment.
• 2+ years of experience in customs consultancy, import/export operations and compliance or a related field (international trade, customs brokerage, or supply chain management).
• Experience using Video Conferencing platforms (e.g., WebEx, Zoom). 
• Experience using Cargowise Customs & Compliance software a plus.
• In-depth and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of customs brokerage operations, U.S. Customs regulations, trade procedures, customs clearance activities, filing customs entries, tariff classifications, valuations, and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements. 
• Proficiency in using resources and platforms for research; Familiarity with reliable sources of data, including internal systems, government databases, industry publications, and academic resources.
• Ability to connect with diverse audiences and communicate complex concepts and our company services clearly and in an influential manner tailored to the audience.
• Ability to create and deliver engaging presentations to captivate and maintain audience interest using various tools and techniques. 
• Ability to answer existing, prospect and new customer inquiries while exuding a high level of customer service.
• Ability to gather appropriate data, perform analysis, identify gaps and make recommendations.
• Strong negotiation skills to close deals and secure business. 
• Ability to persuade and influence potential clients to make purchasing decisions. 
• Ability to problem-solve and manage complex transactional and emotional customer situations promptly and professionally while achieving commitments for service and assistance.
• Strong organizational and detail skills with ability to manage deadlines, prioritize workload and adapt to changes to meet business needs and customer expectations.
• Proficient in utilizing various technology platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and video conferencing tools (WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently; bi-lingual Spanish a plus.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance, with or without reasonable accommodation.