Trade Compliance Specialist

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew

At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, we help healthcare professionals improve the lives of their patients around the world. We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Trade Compliance Specialist to support North American customs operations and related compliance activities.

The Trade Compliance Specialist will support the compliant and timely movement of goods across North America, with primary responsibility for customs clearance, import entry auditing, and day-to-day customs broker management. The role will also perform and support Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification activities and provide support for country of origin (COO) determinations and other Trade Compliance priorities. This position is suited for a trade compliance professional with prior practical experience in customs and trade compliance operations and can independently manage routine operational matters, investigate discrepancies, maintain accurate records, and exercise sound judgment. Comfort and experience with HTS classification are highly desirable.

The Specialist will work with cross-functional teams to gather the product, technical, sourcing, and manufacturing information needed to perform classification analysis, document conclusions, and support compliance decisions. Senior team members are available to provide an additional review for complex, novel, or higher-risk matters when appropriate, but the successful candidate should be prepared to handle routine classification work independently. The Specialist will also provide support, as needed, for COO determinations, C-TPAT and supply chain security activities, export controls, sanctions compliance, and other North America Trade Compliance priorities.

Before applying, please note that this position is not eligible for employer-sponsored immigration support. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States and must not require S+N sponsorship now or in the future to maintain that authorization

What will you be doing?

Customs Clearance & Operational Support

• Support the timely and compliant customs clearance of import shipments into the United States and Canada.
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, transport documents, classification, value, country of origin, and trade program information for completeness and accuracy.
• Respond to broker inquiries, documentation gaps, customs entry requirements, import restrictions, customs holds, and clearance escalations.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and service providers to resolve issues promptly while maintaining compliance.
• Maintain complete, organized, and audit-ready clearance records.

Import Entry Auditing & Compliance Monitoring

• Perform post-entry audits to verify classification, valuation, country of origin, trade program eligibility, fees, and other declaration elements.
• Document findings, investigate exceptions, and coordinate corrections with brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Identify recurring errors and trends and support corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain audit trackers, metrics, and supporting documentation
• Support Post Summary Corrections, protests, and related post-entry activity as needed.

Customs Broker Management

• Serve as a day-to-day contact for designated customs brokers and support consistent execution of clearance instructions.
• Monitor broker responsiveness, entry accuracy, open issues, and service levels through established metrics and scorecards.
• Provide approved classification, origin, valuation, and trade program information and resolve data or documentation discrepancies.
• Support broker reviews, onboarding, procedure updates, and remediation of recurring issues.
• Maintain broker authorizations, instructions, contacts, and governance documentation.
  
  

HTS Classification & Country of Origin Support

• Gather product specifications, composition details, function, technical documentation, bills of material, and other information needed to perform HTS classification assessments.
• Perform HTS classification analysis using applicable interpretive rules, product information, and supporting documentation, and clearly document the basis for the classification decision.
• Work with R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain, and suppliers to obtain complete and accurate information needed for classification and origin decisions.
• Support COO determinations by gathering manufacturing, component, sourcing, and process information and completing initial fact-based analysis.
• Maintain classification and origin records, supporting documentation, and audit trails. Collaborate with senior team members when an additional perspective is appropriate for complex, novel, or higher-risk matters.

C-TPAT & Supply Chain Security Support

• Provide support for the company's C-TPAT program, including procedures, evidence, training records, and validation readiness, as assigned.
• Assist with supply chain security assessments of facilities, suppliers, logistics providers, and other business partners.
• Track identified gaps and corrective actions and follow up with stakeholders through closure.
• Support annual reviews, risk assessments, security profile updates, and other program requirements.

Additional Trade Compliance Support

• Provide support for export controls and sanctions activities, including restricted party screening, information gathering, recordkeeping, and escalation support, as assigned.
• Assist with ECCN data collection and initial assessment activities, collaborating with senior team members as appropriate.
• Support internal audits, regulatory inquiries, training, procedures, and cross-functional projects.
• Provide backup assistance across North America Trade Compliance based on business priorities.

What will you need to be successful?

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Economics, Customs Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in Trade Compliance, Customs Compliance, Customs Brokerage, Import Operations, Logistics, or a related field.
• Practical knowledge of U.S. customs requirements and import entry processes. Exposure to Canadian customs requirements is beneficial.
  Working knowledge of HTS classification principles and the ability to gather relevant product information, perform classification analysis, document conclusions, and support routine classification decisions.
• Experience reviewing customs documentation and import entries for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies, organize supporting documentation, and communicate clearly with brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently on routine matters, and seek input appropriately for complex or higher-risk issues.
• Ability to work onsite regularly at the assigned Smith+Nephew location.
  Location: Hybrid. Regular onsite presence is required. Candidates should reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Andover, Massachusetts; Mansfield, Massachusetts; or Memphis, Tennessee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience independently performing HTS classifications.
• U.S. Customs Broker License (LCB), or progress toward obtaining licensure.
• Experience working directly with customs brokers.
• Exposure to Country of Origin determinations(COO), C-TPAT, Export Controls, Sanctions Compliance, Restricted Party Screening, or ECCN classifications.
• Experience with SAP, ERP systems, or customs reporting tools.
• Experience within the medical device, healthcare, life sciences, or another regulated industry.
• Experience using Microsoft Copilot, Power BI, or similar productivity and reporting tools.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and a proactive compliance mindset.
• Confidence in conducting HTS classification analysis and trade compliance reviews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
• Ability to balance business needs with regulatory compliance requirements.
• Collaborative approach and willingness to expand expertise across trade compliance disciplines.

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    

• Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).
• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement  
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $81,750 to $122,500 USD annually. ​The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role at Smith + Nephew.

In addition to base pay, we offer competitive bonus and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, parental leave, generous PTO, paid company holidays, 8 hours of volunteer time annually, and a variety of wellness offerings such as EAP.

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.