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Ace Hardware

Cooperative hardware and home improvement retailer

International Trade Compliance Manager

Regulatory Compliance & EthicsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeOak Brook, IL, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • Seven or more years of experience with logistics, customs brokerage, international trade documents, Harmonized Tariff Classification, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and foreign compliance, including two years in leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and manage internal and external partners to drive common goals and strategy and achieve improvements and results.
  • Ability to think strategically and develop a realistic mission and vision.
  • Understanding of different countries and their cultural challenges, with ability to work cross-functionally with internal departments.
  • Knowledge and ability to lead CTPAT and ISA programs.
  • Licensed Customs Broker license is required.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English.
  • Ability to collaborate with internal and external business partners.

Responsibilities

  • Provide subject matter expertise on import and export compliance matters, ensuring compliance with trade laws and regulations.
  • Provide support and oversight for documentation, customs classification, and management of the import broker.
  • Manage daily import operations and provide tactical and strategic support, analysis, and reporting.
  • Serve as a liaison for brokers and suppliers to resolve import compliance issues and ensure timely shipment delivery.
  • Assist with new item additions and product maintenance of trade data as needed.
  • Act as backup for product classification for U.S. import and export.
  • Educate suppliers on trade data and U.S. and other government compliance requirements.
  • Oversee filing of all Automated Export System filings for export shipments.
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other government agencies’ laws and regulations to minimize exposure to penalties.
  • Work with customs officials to request Binding Rulings, respond to requests for information (CF28 and CF29), and obtain guidance on port regulations.
  • Assist with post-entry audits to proactively prevent penalties for non-compliance.
  • Maintain the Import Compliance Manual annually and drive trade compliance in accordance with country-specific regulations and corporate, group, and divisional policies.
  • Optimize import logistics and supply chain efficiency by resolving compliance matters.
  • Manage special projects and requests for import/export teams and internal or external legal counsel relating to CBP and associated laws and regulations.
  • Support the International Leadership team with projects as needed.
  • Support the growth of international teams and programs in more than 69 import countries.
  • Advise and liaise on behalf of the AIH retailer, working with site leadership and program managers on applicable trade compliance matters.
  • Ensure international standards for regulated commodities, including chemical, water, gas, and electric products, are followed for testing, packaging, and shipping.
  • Act as the CTPAT subject matter expert and ensure service vendors meet requirements to maintain Ace’s Tier 3 ranking, with processes in place for international transportation and customs brokerage.
  • Participate as an integral member of the company’s cross-functional CTPAT team.
  • Work with outside counsel to maintain the current ISA program and annual audit, and develop a long-term practice to bring ISA management in-house.
  • Work cross-functionally throughout Ace Hardware to ensure ISA program compliance.
  • Work with the Director of International Logistics and Compliance to ensure trade compliance matters are communicated and addressed cross-functionally.
  • Manage the performance and professional development of three direct reports, with the team potentially growing as business needs change.
  • Provide strategic leadership on current and future product and category compliance requirements for export around the world in support of Ace International.
  • Understand international trade compliance and country-specific import/export requirements, and develop benchmarks and processes to meet those standards.
  • Communicate documentation and requirements to the AIH team in Oak Brook, China, and Global Sales teams to meet country-specific requirements and international trade regulations.
  • Maintain processes and policies that support collection, accessibility, communication, and retention of category compliance documentation.

Desired Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree is preferred.
  • A second language, Spanish or Mandarin, is a plus.
  • Ability to envision, create, and present strategies for trade barriers and options that support wholesale or retail growth.
  • Demonstrated leadership across the organization, vendors, and retailers as an authority in the relevant category.
  • Superior negotiation skills with proven results leveraging company scale, business drivers, and strategies.
  • Ability to plan, assemble, and present strategy, execution, and updates to leadership, the organization, vendors, and retailers.

About the Company

Ace Hardware

Cooperative hardware and home improvement retailer

Ace Hardware is a retailer-owned cooperative that operates hardware, home improvement, and paint stores through a network of independently owned retailers. It provides member stores with collective buying power, distribution, and marketing support, enabling local shops to compete with big chains while delivering community-focused service. The company earns revenue from product sales to member stores and service fees. Ace distributes major brands like Benjamin Moore, Craftsman, Weber, and its own private-label products, serving DIY homeowners and professional contractors through thousands of neighborhood stores. Its goal is to help member retailers grow and serve communities by offering a broad product assortment, reliable supply, and local service.

Company size
5,001-10,000
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
Augusta, KS
Founded
1924

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