Customs Manager

OverviewThe Customs Manager will manage staff and partners, and be responsible for the daily customs compliance and duty savings for Panasonic Companies and to ensure compliance with all government regulations and laws.At Panasonic Connect, we connect the power of people and technology to change work, advance society and help connect to tomorrow. Empathy, results, relentlessness and teamwork are the foundations of the Panasonic Connect Culture. Our mission is to elevate the employee experience by empowering individuals to use their voice and have a positive impact on our business. As part of our team, you will push boundaries, take action, and face challenges alongside our customers to innovate experiences that define the changing world of work.ResponsibilitiesWhat you will get to do:The Customs Compliance and Operations Manager will report to Senior Management of the Logistics Group of the organization. The main role will be to manage the compliance function, staff, and oversee customs regulatory compliance for the imports and exports for the assigned organizations. They will ensure the Panasonic organization is operating with best practices related to day to day compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for import compliance, and the Bureau of Industry and Security for export control compliance. This position will facilitate the Panasonic organizations relations with customs brokers, compliance partners and CBP under the concept of informed compliance and reasonable care. This person will also implement and manage all Customs and Border Protection programs.Compliance Operations and Staff ManagementCompliance OperationsOversee import and export regulatory compliance processes, including:

Management of HTS classification, valuation, and country of origin issues for imported commodities.

Support of foreign trade zone execution and issues to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, security requirements and all related activities.

Ensure compliance with partner government agency requirements including TSCA, FDA, FCC, APHIS, and others.

Oversee entry issues and requirements for proper declaration to CBP.

Oversee process for export control compliance including ECCN, Schedule B, and party screening.

Increase knowledge of Panasonic product lines to support the compliance function.

Support Panasonic Finance as required for resolution of automated clearing house (ACH) allocations pertaining to customs duties.

Identify and review cost or duty savings opportunities.

Assist and oversee the submission of duty drawback requests for Panasonic organization as assigned to insure maximum recovery for product moved out of the country.

Research rulings, or request binding rulings from CBP as necessary.

Work with staff/brokers to file protests or corrections to obtain applicable refunds of customs duties.

Work with Sales, Panasonic Legal and staff to review free trade agreement eligibility.

Develop new business opportunities both internal and external for compliance services and training as necessary.

Staff Management

Manage assigned staff in the department performing function of insuring correct commodity classifications.

Train staff in procedures, both in import and export compliance.

Ensure staff is skilled in critical areas of expertise in a wide array of compliance areas to support the compliance process.

Support revision and execution of forms and templates.

Direct work flow, insure clear communications.

Provide Customs, Import/Export Regulatory Support.

Work closely with Panasonic Legal to insure proper coordination of a variety of complex compliance issues.

Provide content expertise to both domestic and overseas company groups to support the compliance function and interpret government regulations and laws regarding import and export compliance.

Oversee ACE Trade Account as owner; and support reporting requirements.

Provide compliance content expertise and advice to Panasonic organization company personnel.

Establish compliance manuals and procedures (in compliance with Panasonic global and North American policies) to assist in the day to day operations of a compliance department.

Audit assigned Panasonic organizations for compliance based on U.S. Customs requirements.

Coordinate submittal of post entry corrections and protests to U.S. Customs to refund overpaid duties due to change in classifications or misclassification.

Develop changes and updates for the Panasonic organization Intranet web site.

Identify and coordinate improvements with software vendors.

Discover and resolve issues in Panasonic’s Trade Import System; work with IT and other parties to incorporate needed changes resulting from ever changing Federal regulations and business practices.

Broker Filer SupervisionManage and Oversee and broker/filer performance, including:

Evaluate new customs brokers to guarantee that they are up to Panasonic standards regarding customs compliance.

Create standard operating procedures for brokers to follow and monitor execution and remediate where required.

Execute continuous evaluation of current brokers and filers to ensure proper compliance, measuring performance and accuracy.

Establish guidelines for compliance, monitor and remediate issues.

In coordination with Panasonic Legal and supporting trade compliance managers – define and execute policy updates.

Advise and instruct brokers / filers on issues of classification, value, origin, PGA, and regulatory compliance.

Execute ongoing performance reviews against established metrics.

Procedures and AuditPost entry and audit

Prepare, track and submit replies to CBP28, and CBP29 CBP requests for information and notices of action.

Prepare, track and submit replies to CBP penalty notices.

Review completed tasks of compliance personnel.

Review post entry amendments and protests.

Direct company’s certification and compliance with CTPAT Security, CTPAT Trade Compliance (where applicable) and Forced Labor programs; execute self-audits in lieu of CBP conducting their own audits of Panasonic companies. Support annual reports to customs to maintain requirements.

Create of procedures and methodologies for ISA.

Direct sampling and audits for the business units for which the position is responsible.

Preparation of manuals and procedures for import compliance and export control, including:

Development and update of customs compliance manual.

Development and update of export control manual.

Review of import and export compliance manuals for accuracy.

Create of compliance procedures, forms, and processes needed for enhanced compliance.

QualificationsMANAGEMENTManages assigned staff members, members may include direct employees within compliance team or outsourced employees/contractors.PROBLEM-SOLVINGCandidate must possess strong ability to analyze issues, manage solutions and projects with little support. Activities may include data analysis, trade compliance activities or systems.KNOW HOWCandidate must be a licensed Customs Broker, and maintain knowledge of government regulations. Preference for foreign trade zone knowledge and experience. Strong classification and import entry process a must. Knowledge of electronic components and consumer electronics is a plus. Excellent computer skills.COMMUNICATIONSKey communication contacts are internal sales and product personnel, legal department, trade compliance members, US Customs import specialists and other government officials pertaining to a variety of issues. This candidate must be able to pursue all parties to get the most accurate and correct classification of our products, resolve other regulatory issues regarding import and export control compliance and manage the day to day activities of the compliance team. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.What We Offer:

High Performance Culture

A focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Teamwork and Collaboration

Rewards and Recognition

Learning & Development Opportunities Across Multiple Business Units

Competitive compensation packages

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Paid Parental Care Leave

Educational Assistance

Volunteer time off

Total Well Being Program

Employee Referral Program

Panasonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law or company policy. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre-employment drug testing is required for safety sensitive positions or as may otherwise be required by contract or law. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Corporation of North America.#LI-AU1#LI-HybridThe salary range below is just one component of Panasonic Connect's total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives.Salary Range$80,000 - $105,000 REQ-147974