Director of trade compliance, americas
*about* optimas*:
*position*overview*:
we are seeking a motivated and dynamic *director*of*trade*compliance,*americas*. The director of trade compliance is responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with all applicable trade laws, regulations and company policies related to import and export activities in mexico, the united states and canada, with an emphasis on optimas’ operations in mexico. This role requires a deep understanding of customs regulations, tariff classifications and trade agreements to facilitate smooth and compliant trade operations within the americas region. The director of trade compliance will work closely with cross
- functional teams, including transportation, supply chain, finance and operations, to implement and deploy trade compliance policies and procedures, ensuring that optimas remains compliant in an increasingly dynamic global business environment and identifying and driving strategic opportunities to optimize costs. This position will be based in *monterrey, n.l.*and reports to the general counsel, americas.
*main*responsibilities*:
1. Regional trade compliance management (americas):
- oversee and manage regional trade operations, including import/export procedures, customs duties and tariffs, and trade regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
- develop, implement, and maintain trade compliance policies and procedures (sops and work instructions) in accordance with best practices, regulations and trade agreements.
- monitor and analyze the evolving tariff and trade policy landscape; participate in the development and support the implementation of strategies that resist supplier price increases, enable effective pass-through of tariff-related costs to customers, and ensure overall compliance with trade regulations.
2. Customs and import/export operations
ensure compliance with import and export regulations, including tariff classifications, customs
valuation, country of origin determinations, and trade documentation requirements, while maximizing
duty savings for the company.
Evaluate commercial invoices and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, generating necessary documents for ground, air, maritime, or virtual operations.
Ensure timely and accurate submission of customs clearance documents to brokers.
Evaluate customs brokers, contracts and rates.
Manage annex 24 and annex 30 to maintain accurate and up-to-date inventory customs control and electronic records, to include data conciliations of erp, annex 24 and data stage, boms validation of erp versus annex 24, monthly backflush analysis, processing of special operations for annex 24 inventory control, and data stage analysis.
Approve pedimentos after validation, ensuring they meet requirements for import/export.
Drive and execute duty and vat payment analysis and recommend courses of action with respect to inventory based on said analyses.
3. Risk management and mitigation
- provide accurate inventory aging reports to business leadership to facilitate decision-making as to inventory disposition and movements.
- support internal third-party audits and customs audits by government authorities.
- conduct regular audits and assessments to identify potential non-conformance and develop corrective action plans.
- participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives to drive continuous improvement in trade compliance processes.
- monitor changes in customs regulations and update internal processes and procedures accordingly to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
4. Regulatory reporting and documentation
- lead projects related to u.s. customs reconciliation, country of origin verification and usmca reviews.
- maintain relationships with mexican customs authorities and industry associations to stay informed about regulatory changes and advocate for the company's interests.
- ensure that all import/export transactions are properly documented, classified, and compliant with all international and domestic laws and regulations.
- prepare and submit regulatory filings and reports related to trade compliance, including but not limited to customs declarations, export licenses, and government permits.
- ensure all trade records are accurately maintained in accordance with relevant government regulations and corporate policies.
5. Internal collaboration and training
- interface across business and regional leadership while acting as an integral part of the business team to ensure global trade compliance policies and procedures are aligned and integrated with business operations.
- develop and implement comprehensive compliance training programs that ensure regulatory awareness throughout the organization.
6. Continuous improvement
- drive continuous improvement initiatives within the trade and compliance function, including process optimization, technology upgrades, and workflow enhancements.
- monitor trends and changes in intern