At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.
We are currently seeking a Trade Compliance Manager to join our team. In this role, you will oversee the company’s compliance efforts related to a broad range of products, managing both imports and exports. Reporting to the Director of Trade Compliance, you will lead a small team and serve as the in-house expert on all compliance-related matters. The position also requires working directly with customs brokers, freight forwarders, government agencies, internal teams such as Research, Design & Development, Vendor Management, Operations and Transportation to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. Applicants should have broad import/export knowledge, including a deep understanding of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classifications and tariffs, tariff engineering, AD/CVD regulations, Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) and U.S. export compliance license requirements. The ideal candidate is detail oriented with strong analytical skills and financial acumen, has excellent written and verbal communication skills and possesses a strong sense of urgency with the ability to strategize solutions under deadline pressure.
A day on the job looks like this:
- Classify goods in accordance with the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), address U.S. Antidumping and Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD) exclusions, ensure compliance with requirements from PGAs such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), APHIS, Lacey Act regulations, AMS Organic, etc.
- Serve as a liaison with Customs Broker as well as with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, addressing matters related to import entries and working closely with senior management to address any compliance inquiries to ensure effective communication and regulatory alignment
- Partner closely with internal teams, such as Vendor Management, Research, Design & Development (RD&D), and Operations, to resolve compliance issues, document solutions, and manage accurate classification and recordkeeping
- Collaborate with the RD&D team regarding product development and modification to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs regulations
- Perform audits on new customs entries from Purchase Order to Payment and maintain a consistent audit rate to ensure compliance and continuous process improvement
- Maintain and update the Import Compliance Manual, Operations SOP, and all relevant SOPs as part of Lakeshore’s Import Compliance Program, ensuring they reflect new compliance requirements and updated operational processes.
- Manage and maintain records pertaining to AD/CVD, FDA, the CPSC, USDA (Lacey Act) and other regulatory agencies, ensuring accurate and accessible documentation
- Oversee the preparation, accuracy, and retention of export documentation, including commercial invoices, shipping documents, SLI and Electronic Export Information (EEI) filings to ensure regulatory compliance and efficient document storage
- Conduct Restricted Party Screenings, ensuring compliance with U.S. trade regulations and documentation requirements
- Monitor industry updates, including regulatory changes to stay current with evolving trade compliance requirements and communicate key updates internally to ensure timely compliance and implementation
Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management or related field (a master’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management or related field is preferred)
- U.S. Customs Broker License is preferred
- 10+ years of experience in the field
- 8 years of experience in import/export working for an importer similar in size to Lakeshore Learning Materials and/or in the same industry
- 4 years of experience working in a similar position
- 4 years of experience managing people/projects
- Experience in SAP
- Must be flexible, able to multitask and accountable to deadlines
- Ability to influence across functions
- Consistent leadership and problem-solving ability
- Excellent Excel and data analysis skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Extensive experience with the ACE system
- Strategic thinker with superb analytical and problem-solving skills
- Self-starter with excellent project management and leadership skills
- Ability to collaborate across all areas of the business
And here’s our end of the bargain!
- Salary: $71,000-$120,000 and bonus eligible
- Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
- Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
- 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
- Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
- On-site preschool for our employees’ children
- On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
- Generous employee discount
- Casual dress…and we really mean it
