Specialist, Trade Compliance

Support Global Trade Compliance activities across Japan (primary responsibility) and selected Asia Out of China (AOC) markets.

Ensure compliance with customs, trade, export control, and sanctions regulations while driving process excellence, risk mitigation, and duty optimization initiatives.

• Monitor changes in customs and international trade regulations, assess business impact, and implement compliance requirements.
• Deliver trade compliance training and guidance to business stakeholders.
• Execute and enhance internal compliance controls, risk assessments, and mitigation measures.
• Serve as the primary contact for customs audits, investigations, and inquiries, engaging directly with Customs and METI.
• Conduct import/export transaction audits, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions.
• Review business models and trade flows to improve compliance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain and strengthen the Japan AEO program.
• Lead duty optimization initiatives, including FTAs, duty drawback, and other duty-saving opportunities.
• Support customs compliance requirements for bonded operations.
• Partner with Logistics, Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, and other stakeholders to ensure compliant and efficient trade operations.
• Support strategic projects and other compliance initiatives as assigned.
• Identify and drive beneficial trade programs and opportunities across the region.
• Support import/export compliance activities in AOC countries, including Korea and other key markets.
• Provide regional guidance on customs compliance, export controls, sanctions, and trade regulations.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher in International Trade, Business Administration, Economics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Customs and Global Trade Compliance within a multinational environment.
• Experience handling customs audits, government interactions, and duty optimization programs required.
• Experience working in consulting firms and/or the chemical industry is an advantage.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of Japanese Customs regulations, including HS Classification, Customs Valuation, Origin, and Free Trade Agreements.
• Good understanding of international customs compliance, export controls, sanctions, and trade regulations.
• Experience managing customs authority interactions, audits, and compliance inquiries.
• Knowledge of trade remedies (e.g., Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties) is preferred.
• Familiarity with controlled materials regulations (e.g., drug precursors, narcotics) is a plus.
• Fluent in English and Japanese, both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Self-driven with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Effective communicator with strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Detail-oriented, adaptable, and capable of making sound decisions in a dynamic environment.