Director, Customs & Global Trade

Job description

The Director of Customs & Global Trade is responsible for developing and executing the company’s global trade compliance strategy across all regions. This role ensures full compliance with international customs regulations, trade agreements, import/export laws, product classification, valuation, and duty optimization programs while enabling speed-to-market and cost efficiency in a fast-moving apparel environment. The position partners closely with Sourcing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, Product Development, and external brokers to mitigate risk, reduce landed cost, and maintain uninterrupted cross-border operations. What you’ll get to do: Global Trade Compliance Strategy Develop and lead the global customs and trade compliance program across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM. Ensure compliance with import/export laws, customs regulations, and trade sanctions in all operating countries. Maintain documented policies, procedures, and internal controls. Oversee denied party screening and sanctions compliance. Classification, Valuation & Origin Management Direct global product classification (HS codes) for apparel, footwear, accessories, and raw materials. Ensure proper customs valuation, transfer pricing alignment, and assist compliance. Oversee country-of-origin determinations and documentation Manage Free Trade Agreement (FTA) qualification and utilization (e.g., USMCA, EU FTAs). Duty Optimization & Trade Programs Lead duty savings initiatives such as: First Sale for Export Duty drawback Free Trade Zones (FTZ) Bonded warehouses Temporary import/export programs Identify landed cost reduction opportunities while maintaining compliance. Partner with Finance to forecast duty spend and mitigate exposure. Broker & Government Agency Management Oversee global customs brokers and trade compliance vendors. Serve as primary contact for customs authorities during audits and inquiries. Manage prior disclosures, protests, post-entry amendments, and regulatory disputes as needed. Maintain strong relationships with government agencies. Risk Management & Audit Develop internal audit processes to monitor trade compliance. Conduct periodic compliance reviews and corrective action plans. Prepare for and manage customs audits and regulatory reviews. Report compliance risks and metrics to executive leadership. Who you are: Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Business, or equivalent years of experience preferred. 12+ years of progressive global trade compliance experience. 5+ years in leadership roles within multinational organizations. Licensed Customs Broker (U.S.) strongly preferred. Deep expertise in: Apparel classification and textile rules of origin Trade agreements (USMCA, EU FTAs, GSP) Duty drawback & FTZ programs Customs valuation and transfer pricing Experience operating in multi-country sourcing environments (e.g., Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, India, Central America). Strong knowledge of ERP and Global Trade Management (GTM) systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Descartes). Our investment in you: At Vuori, we’re proud to offer the following to our employees: Health Insurance Savings and Retirement Plan Employee Assistance Program Generous Vuori Discount & Industry Perks Paid Time Off Wellness & Fitness benefits The salary range for this role is $173,000 per year - $222,495 per year. This role is bonus eligible. Vuori is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Vuori is re-defining what athletic apparel looks like: built to move and sweat in but designed with a casual aesthetic to transition into everyday life. We draw inspiration from an active coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, creative expression and life. Our high energy fast paced retail environment is reflected in the clothes we make. We aim to inspire others to take on all aspects of their lives with clarity, enthusiasm and purpose…while having a lot of fun along the way. We are proud to be an outlet for opportunity and for personal growth and success.