Sr. Customs & Trade Consultant

Nature & Scope of Position

The Senior Customs & Trade Consultant leads client engagements and drives operational excellence. This role is a balance of deep technical customs expertise and high-level project leadership. You are responsible for interfacing with all levels of a client’s environment from senior executive management to operational teams while building, maintaining, and growing long-term relationships

This role not only interprets complex regulations and applies them to client needs but also supports the sales cycle and contributes to the refinement of our Trade Advisory Service practice methodologies.

Principal Accountabilities and or Duties

Technical Compliance & Advisory

• Regulatory Interpretation: Interpret customs and trade compliance regulations, translating them into actionable, risk-mitigating strategies for clients at any stage of trade and/or audit management. All government regulations, i.e., Customs Act, Excise Act, Customs Notices, etc.
• Tariff Classification: Classify imported products using advanced knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HS), masterfully navigating General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), Section/Chapter notes, Explanatory Notes and the navigation of Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT).
• Rulings & Research: Research customs rulings and manage the preparation, submission, and defense of binding ruling requests to the CBSA.
• Trade Controls & Valuation: Advise on Customs Valuation methodologies, Free Trade Agreements (Certification), PGA/OGAs, Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties (ADD/CVD - SIMA), and permit requirements. Effectively manage Appeals, Voluntary Disclosures and Duty Drawback/Duty Deferral Programs.
• Digital Tools & Exports: Utilize the CBSA CARM Client Portal effectively and maintain a firm grasp on Canadian export regulations.

Core Competencies

• Executive Presence: Capable of seamlessly interfacing with all levels of an organization, from front-line operational employees to C-suite executives.
• Business Acumen: Strong regulatory, analytical, financial, and organizational skills.
• Communication Excellence: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to logically document and explain complex regulatory processes.
• Problem Solving: Strong investigative skills with a proactive approach to identifying gaps and implementing systemic solutions.
• Tech Literacy: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and CRM tools.

Knowledge and Educational Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in international trade, customs compliance, or trade consulting environment. Strong awareness of regulations pertaining to import/export for Canada.
• Professional Designations: CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) or CTCS (Certified Trade Compliance Specialist) designation is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to facilitate business growth while effectively maintaining a compliance environment.
• Must have excellent time management and organizational skills operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior strategic, organizational, analytical, and abstract reasoning skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with public speaking and presenting to large groups and executives.
• Solid financial acumen related to trade and compliance activities.

Why you'll love it at Willson International

• Work-from-home environment, with a home internet reimbursement
• 3 weeks paid vacation for all new hires
• Company-matching RRSP program
• We care about your loved ones too – that’s why we offer family medical benefit coverage (including significant mental-health practitioner coverage), Compassionate Care top-ups, and Maternity/Parental top-ups.
• Change is crucial to success – it’s never a dull moment here! We offer trainings, and cover the cost of certifications so you can adapt to change with your best foot forward
• #Oneteam is essential to our corporate identity – we only succeed if we work together. That’s why we take the time to recognize the value of our staff, and celebrate the big moments together (like service anniversaries, weddings, and cute things, like puppies and babies).