Objective:
the lead customs specialist ensures accurate, compliant, and timely execution of import, export, and in-bond customs operations. this role provides end-to-end operational ownership of customs execution while partnering closely with logistics, trade compliance, finance, and authorities to support business continuity and regulatory adherence.
responsibilities:
* own end-to-end customs operational governance for import and export processes, including broker coordination, entry validation, valuation compliance, tariff classification alignment, and regulatory documentation accuracy.
* serve as the highest site authority for customs, immex, and trade compliance regulatory matters.
* own and safeguard the immex program compliance framework, ensuring uninterrupted operational eligibility and regulatory adherence.
* lead the strategic governance of vat & ieps certification, including annex 30 monitoring, fiscal credit balances, and exposure mitigation.
* act as the primary technical liaison before sat authorities during audits, certification renewals, and compliance reviews.
* maintain executive-level oversight of annex 24 inventory control system integrity, ensuring erp-to-customs reconciliation accuracy and regulatory defensibility.
* design, implement, and continuously strengthen internal control frameworks governing temporary imports, transformations, returns, and export traceability.
* lead oea certification governance strategy, risk assessments, and compliance-by-design initiatives.
* quantify and communicate potential fiscal exposure derived from inventory discrepancies, certification risks, or regulatory non-compliance.
* ensure permanent audit readiness for sat inspections and external regulatory reviews.
* drive digital transformation initiatives related to annex 24/30 automation, erp integrations, customs analytics, and compliance system enhancements.
* establish long-term compliance roadmaps aligned with regulatory changes and business growth strategy.
* provide executive dashboards and risk visibility to the customs manager and senior site leadership.
* lead remediation strategies for historical discrepancies, audit findings, or certification gaps.
* act as escalation point for complex customs, valuation, or regulatory interpretation matters.
requirements:
* advanced english
* bachelor’s degree in international trade or a related field.
* 5+ years of experience in mexican trade compliance and import/export operations within immex manufacturing environments.
* demonstrated end-to-end ownership of import and export customs operations, including customs entry processes, valuation elements, tariff classification, in-bond procedures, temporary and definitive import regimes, export documentation, and broker coordination.
* proven ability to integrate operational customs execution with compliance controls and fiscal risk mitigation frameworks.
* demonstrated ownership of vat & ieps certification strategy and sat audit defense.
* direct experience managing oea certification audits and renewals.
* expert-level knowledge of annex 24 and annex 30 regulatory requirements and reconciliation methodologies.
* deep expertise in mexican customs law (ley aduanera), foreign trade rules (rgce), and immex decree.
* experience quantifying customs and tax exposure and leading mitigation strategies.
* advanced erp (sap preferred) reconciliation and compliance systems expertise.
* strong executive communication skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
* strategic mindset with ability to influence without direct authority.