Trade Compliance Manager at Proterra, Inc. in Walnut, California

Job Description:

Position Overview

The Trade Compliance Manager is primarily responsible for import/export compliance programs across all Proterra sites and business units. This role will work closely with various key business units and functions including Legal, Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, Sales and other key stakeholders to Global Trade Compliance. This role will have a key focus in developing and implementing comprehensive trade compliance programs that align with Proterra’s core corporate business initiatives. This position will also support trade compliance related to business development opportunities outside the United States. The role requires strong general customs compliance experience in an active and fast-paced manufacturing environment. A customs brokerage license is preferred.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Design, implement and manage an effective import/export corporate compliance program, including creating desk level procedures for all risk areas: valuation, classification, assists, free trade agreements, country of origin, documentation, record keeping etc...

• Identify and draft cradle to grave procedures for all desk level activities involved in the movement of goods across borders (import/export).

• Collaborate with finance, purchasing and other key functions to ensure imported & exported goods are appropriately valued. Work pro-actively with departments to prevent trade disruptions.

• Determines and maintains appropriate import/export classification (Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Schedule B, Export Control Classification Number etc.), country of origin, export licensing, ECCN, value etc…

• Perform evaluation and analysis of eligibility for preferential treatment under Free Trade Agreements (e.g. USMCA, AUSFTA, KORUS, CAFTA etc…); manage requests to suppliers or customers for supporting documentation and information.

• Analyze and interpret import/export regulations and maintain current knowledge of changes, including markets outside the United States.

• Identify and implement corporate wide and desk level procedures to minimize import duties as allowed under law.

• Advise senior management, including finance personnel, about trade compliance aspects and risks of proposed business decisions or transactions; collaborate effectively with peers at related company sites.

• Monitor compliance activities and the effectiveness of internal controls; establish and conduct trade compliance summary audits of internal controls at the corporate and site level (procedures, work instructions, forms, checklists, and tools).

• Produce, create and/or analyze reports from Customs’ ACE portal, internal ERP, and other information systems.

• Manage and monitor compliance with freight forwarders and customs brokers; audit for effectiveness.

• Collaborate with sourcing, logistics and other key functions on international supplier/forwarder initiatives and/or onboarding activities related to compliance tasks and/or projects

• Identify import/export compliance risks and develop risk assessment measures.

• Support import/export transactions as required for Assist Declarations, Antidumping and Countervailing Duties, Preferential trade agreements, Processing CF28/CF29, duty drawback, Carnets, USMCA certificate issuance or other FTA certifications, etc.

• Lead projects to meet objectives and drive operational results

• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management, International Trade, Compliance (or equivalent experience).

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in trade compliance, international logistics, and import/export related functions

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience managing multi-site & corporate import/export trade compliance programs

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience importing/exporting from/to Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, Canada, Mexico

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Software – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems. Oracle preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Customs Brokerage license highly preferred

• 10+ years’ experience of demonstrated history of competency implementing or working in an efficient and effective corporate customs compliance program

• 10+ years’ experience managing trade compliance programs from/to Europe, Asia, Central America, Canada, Mexico

• Strong knowledge of incoterms, tariff classification, IATA & IMDG regulations.

• Strong knowledge of free trade agreements USMCA, AUSFTA, CAFTA, KORUS and others relevant to business development opportunities

• Strong analytical, mathematical, reasoning, problem solving and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated history of competency with the U.S. Customs Regulations, NHTSA, FDA, and other key clearing agencies

• Demonstrated history of managing broker, forwarder, and carrier relationships.

• Ability to build relationships and partnerships to collaboratively execute business strategies.

• Ability to prepare or revise procedures, work instructions, forms, and business flowcharts.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong program management experience and excellent project leadership skills.

• Ability to work at both detail and strategic levels; work calmly under pressure and with frequent interruptions, and display sound judgment.

• Strong negotiation skills and ability to creatively craft win-win scenarios with trade compliance internal/external stakeholders.

• Travel will be required (15%).

EEO

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra does not permit or tolerate unlawful discrimination against applicants or Employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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