Reports to Senior Manager, International & Compliance
Individual Contributor
The Customs Compliance Specialist will assist the Senior International and Compliance Manager to ensure Torrid's customs compliance operations meet the federal guidelines and adhere to import and export regulations. The Specialist has the responsibility to meet all relevant requirements in cross-border shipping and business activities to ensure proper classifications, paperwork, and duties paid are in order at the time of entry. The Specialist will work cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, Sourcing, Merchants, and Supply Chain teams.
Essential Functions
- Work with Sourcing and/or Merchants to assign and maintain the proper classifications to apparel, shoe, and accessory items according to Merchant calendar set timing for both US Imports and US Exports (e.g. Imports to Canada).
- Classify goods based on tariff codes and product descriptions to ensure compliance with US Harmonized System (HTS) and Canada HS codes and local regulations.
- Prepare, review, and submit required documentation (e.g., invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin) for international shipments.
- Assist in developing and implementing compliance policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Maintain all document retention policies and execute document retention in accordance with federal and corporate policies.
- Provide reporting as needed or required to internal and external stakeholders.
- Perform, verify and classify unit cost revisions to ensure accurate invoicing and customs entry documentation.
- Review and approve all customs invoices to ensure accurate expense administration and posting to proper GL codes.
- Manage any IT or Store Operations cross-border projects including coordination of logistics as well as troubleshooting any compliance related issues.
- Work with Finance and Import Transportation to provide the required documentation and ensure duty payments to the government are processed in a timely manner.
- Partner as needed to investigate and resolve inventory receiving issues.
- Perform periodic audits of import transactions for compliance and accuracy validation.
- Ensure policies, procedures and document retention is in order and be prepared for CBP audit at any time.
- Keep abreast of all relevant Customs and Trade issues.
- Build and work on maintaining relationships with External Customs Broker(s), Forwarders and Government Authorities.
- Assist in managing duty drawback program.
- Assist in updating and maintaining customs compliance manual.
- Communicate with the appropriate government officials to ensure Torrid understands their obligations.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong work ethic, critical thinker, and excellent attention to detail (quality of work).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must be comfortable working in a distribution environment.
- Ability to build consensus and relationships among managers, partners, and team members.
- Knowledgeable in US HTS classification of apparel, shoes and accessories import and export.
- CAN HS classification of apparel, shoes and accessories import and export knowledge is strongly preferred.
- Previous responsibility with viewing and auditing import duties, fees and taxes.
- Understanding of U.S. customs regulations and processes
- Intermediate Excel and data analysis skills.
- Knowledge of duty engineering and drawback
Desired Education and Experience:
- High School (GED) or equivalent experience. Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain Management preferred.
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS),
- Certified Export Specialist (CES) a plus.
- Two (2) to three (3) years in a customs compliance environment with an apparel/ footwear company.
- Two (2) to three (3) years of job-related experience in import and export environment working with brokers, forwarders, and couriers.
- Two (2) to three (3) years of job-related experience working for a US or Canadian customs broker a plus.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint (Microsoft Office Suite)
Work Environment:
This job is an onsite position located at the Torrid Ohio Distribution Center.
This role generally requires 40+ hours per week; however, hours may vary based on workflow.
Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)
Regularly required to sit, stand, bend and lift/move up to ten pounds. May lift/move up to thirty pounds occasionally.
Travel Requirements:
This position will require minimal travel
