Customs Manager

Strengthen & Grow our Customs Business

The opportunity:

Flexport is a platform for global trade. We are a licensed freight forwarder and customs brokerage built around a modern technology stack. We help some of the world's fastest growing brands manage their international supply chains, providing a fully-managed service for moving products between any two places on the planet. Started in 2013, we've now raised $1.3B from investors including Peter Thiel of Founders Fund, Softbank, DST, Google Ventures, First Round Capital, Bloomberg Beta, Felicis Ventures, Y Combinator, and more.

We’re looking for a Customs Manager to serve as a key link between operational teams, and company leadership to ensure the organization’s customs and compliance needs are fully met, aligning with both regulatory requirements and business goals.

What you'll do:  

• Continuously maintain and apply up-to-date knowledge of global trade laws, international customs regulations, and compliance protocols to ensure all operational activities meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance.
• Lead end-to-end customs operations, prioritizing timely processing of goods to reduce delays, enhance clearance efficiency, and uphold cost-effective practices across all relevant processes.
• Analyze and refine customs clearance workflows to eliminate bottlenecks, enhance productivity, and deliver seamless, efficient operations.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams, including demand, finance, BD and product development, to align customs strategies with broader business objectives, organizational changes, and new product launches.
• Manage and mentor a small team of Customs Associates, fostering a culture of compliance and empowering team members to develop expertise in customs best practices and proactive problem-solving.
• Work closely with the other Managers to develop and execute long-term customs strategies that support and enable business growth, addressing new markets, expansion opportunities, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Serve as an SME working closely with the Customs product and tech team on initiatives focused on automation within customs processes, leveraging technology to improve accuracy, and streamline compliance activities.
• Provide expert guidance on customs requirements, cost implications, and compliance risks related to new markets, product expansions, and strategic business initiatives, ensuring customs considerations are fully integrated into decision-making.

What you'll need:

• 6+ years of professional experience working on customs brokerage
• Customs broker license (LCB) preferred
• Strong people management skills as a motivator and coach
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Courage to speak up, ask questions, and challenge the status quo
• Next-level attention to detail and follow-through
• High level of computer literacy. No paper. All digital.

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