Import Manager

IMPORT BROKERAGE MANAGER
Freight Forwarding, United States

Overview
This position is accountable for managing the full import brokerage function, including compliance oversight, operational execution, and team leadership. The role ensures all customs entries, documentation, and post-entry activities are performed accurately, on time, and in accordance with CBP, PGA, and internal governance requirements. The post holder leads a brokerage team responsible for Air and Ocean entries, regulatory adherence, client service, and KPI performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily import brokerage operations, including tariff classification, valuation review, PGA requirements, quota handling, and regulatory screening.
• Manage a team of licensed brokers, entry writers, and support staff, ensuring workload control, training, performance reviews, and compliance with company SOPs.
• Ensure all customs entries meet CBP 19 CFR requirements and reflect accurate HTS, country of origin, duty rates, and FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, and other PGA mandates.
• Review and approve entry summaries, ISF filings, CF28 and CF29 responses, post-summary corrections, and protests in collaboration with compliance and legal teams.
• Maintain a rigorous audit and recordkeeping program, including 5-year retention controls, reconciliation management, and corrective action plans.
• Coordinate with Air and Ocean import teams to align documentation, arrival notices, carrier releases, and final mile requirements for timely cargo availability.
• Lead client escalation management, providing root-cause analysis, corrective action, and commercially defensible solutions to preserve service levels.
• Manage account onboarding, SOP creation, tariff logic, PGA requirements, and service-level commitments for new and existing clients.
• Oversee power of attorney processes, bond renewals, drawback opportunities, and customs compliance consulting requests.
• Monitor regulatory updates from CBP, BIS, OFAC, FMC, TSA, and relevant PGAs, ensuring the brokerage operation adapts controls promptly.
• Manage KPIs including entry accuracy, clearance time, FDA approval cycles, PGA holds, audit findings, billing accuracy, and profit contribution.
• Maintain strong relationships with CBP officers, CEE teams, carriers, CFS facilities, and relevant government agencies to support efficient release workflows.
• Ensure all billing, rating, and brokerage fee structures are accurate, transparent, and aligned with contractual terms.

Required Experience

• Five or more years of experience in US import brokerage with direct responsibility for customs entry oversight.
• Strong command of HTS classification, valuation law, free trade agreements, ADD/CVD, binding rulings, drawback, and reconciliation programs.
• Proven leadership experience managing brokerage teams in a high-volume freight forwarding or customs environment.
• Proficiency with ABI systems, ACE portal functions, and standard freight forwarding platforms.
• Ability to interpret legal and regulatory frameworks and implement operational controls without providing legal advice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage escalations, client expectations, and multi-agency release processes.

Preferred Credentials

• Valid US Customs Broker License.
• Experience supporting verticals such as Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Retail, Chemical, or Pharma.
• Exposure to CTPAT, ISO standards, and internal audit programs.
• Experience integrating new clients, setting SOPs, and leading process-improvement initiatives.