Trade Compliance Specialist

Job description

Support the execution of the Trade, Exports and FTZ Compliance program by assisting with day-to-day compliance activities, operational reviews, training support, recordkeeping, and escalation of potential compliance concerns. Serve as a knowledgeable resource for internal teams on trade compliance requirements, company procedures, and regulatory expectations related to import, export, Foreign Trade Zone, and customs-related activities. Promote a strong culture of compliance by helping ensure that operational processes are performed accurately, consistently, and in alignment with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and customer requirements. Work closely with Trade Compliance leadership, branch operations, customer service, brokerage, warehouse, and other internal teams to support compliant and efficient business operations. WHAT YOU DO: Responsibilities and Duties The Trade Compliance Specialist is responsible for supporting operational compliance activities, assisting with internal controls, maintaining accurate records, and helping ensure that employees follow established trade compliance procedures. This role is not a management position and does not include direct supervisory authority; however, it requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to support compliance expectations across multiple operational teams. Key Responsibilities: Assist with the implementation and maintenance of trade compliance procedures, work instructions, and internal controls. Review import, export, Foreign Trade Zone, customs brokerage, and shipment documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements. Support monitoring activities, including file reviews, discrepancy tracking, corrective action follow-up, and compliance reporting. Identify potential compliance concerns and escalate them timely to Trade Compliance leadership or the appropriate internal party. Maintain organized and accurate compliance records in accordance with company policy, customer requirements, and regulatory recordkeeping expectations. Support internal and external audits by gathering documentation, preparing responses, and helping validate corrective actions. Assist with training coordination and provide basic guidance to employees on trade compliance procedures, escalation requirements, and best practices. Stay informed of relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and system updates that may affect daily trade compliance activities. Collaborate with operations, customer service, warehouse, brokerage, and other departments to resolve compliance-related questions or process gaps. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to strengthen compliance controls, reduce errors, and improve process consistency. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Basic to intermediate understanding of import, export, customs, FTZ, and trade compliance concepts. Strong attention to detail and ability to review documentation with accuracy. Ability to follow established procedures and apply compliance requirements consistently. Professional communication skills with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. Ability to identify issues, ask appropriate questions, and escalate concerns when needed. Proficiency with company systems, Microsoft Office applications, and compliance-related tools or databases. Commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, and a strong culture of compliance. High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in international business, supply chain, logistics, customs, or a related field preferred. Prior experience in trade compliance, customs brokerage, logistics, import/export operations, FTZ operations, or a related field preferred. Working knowledge of regulatory requirements related to import/export transactions, customs documentation, classification, valuation, country of origin, recordkeeping, and restricted party screening preferred. Ability to complete assigned compliance training and maintain required certifications or internal qualifications as applicable. Position Expectations: Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and consistency in all compliance-related responsibilities. Act as a reliable support resource for employees by reinforcing correct processes and escalation paths. Maintain a solution-oriented approach while ensuring compliance requirements are not compromised. Protect company and customer interests by supporting accurate documentation, timely communication, and proper recordkeeping. Contribute to a positive compliance culture by modeling ethical behavior and supporting continuous improvement. Physical Demands: Use of standard office equipment, including computer with keyboard and mouse, phone, fax, copy, and scan machine. Ability to work off-site, as business needs require. Functions performed primarily while seated at a desk. WHAT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS YOU BRING TO US: A passion for Trade Compliance and doing the right thing. Proficiency in English and one of the local languages spoken in the District. A minimum of three (3) years at the Company. Demonstrated understanding of applicable Trade Compliance laws and regulations. Training for Sanctioned and Embargoed Countries, Denied Party Screening, and Export Controls Awareness under U.S. law and the laws of other jurisdictions that have implemented U.N. sanctions. Strong familiarity with, and continued pursuit of proficiency in, Expeditors’ operating systems, including GCI, CFIT, EDMS, ETMS, and, where applicable, third-party systems used to conduct Expeditors’ transactions. Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire and clearance of Company Executive Conflict of Interest check. No objection to background check, as permitted by applicable law. No impediment to travel to the branches in the District. Passing score on the IATA/FIATA examination. DG certification(s), as applicable. Security Protocol training, such as C-TPAT, AEO, STP, or other security protocol, as applicable. Product- or service-specific export, import, and/or operational training or certification. Customs Broker license (U.S.) or similar non-U.S. country license, where available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. we do not offer visa sponsorship for this position. Expeditors offers excellent benefits Paid Vacation, Holiday, Sick Time Health Plan: Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental and Vision Life and Long Term Disability Insurance 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan Training and Personnel Development Program All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. “We’re not in the shipping business; we’re in the information business” -Peter Rose, Expeditors Founder Global supply chain management is what we do, but at the heart of Expeditors you will find professionalism, leadership, and a friendly environment, all of which foster an innovative, customer service-based approach to logistics. 15,000 trained professionals 250+ locations worldwide Fortune 500 Globally unified systems