Manager, Trade Operations & Compliance (US)

Central Garden & Pet Company; United Kingdom; On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading home care company in Walnut Creek, California, is seeking a Manager for Trade Operations & Compliance. This role involves overseeing U.S. customs compliance and managing trade operations efficiently. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in customs brokerage and trade regulations, with a focus on analytical skills and communication. This position offers a supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Top-Tier Health Coverage

401(k) plan with employer match

Education Assistance

Employee Recognition Programs

Qualifications

• Must have an active U.S. Customs Broker License.
• 7+ years of experience in customs brokerage, trade compliance, or trade operations.
• Experience with customs audits and trade agreements.

Responsibilities

• Manage all U.S. import and export compliance activities.
• Act as the primary contact for CBP and PGAs.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and compliance training.

Skills

Active U.S. Customs Broker License

Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations

Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel

Excellent communication skills

Education

7+ years in customs brokerage or trade compliance

Tools

ACE Portal

SAP

Microsoft Office (advanced Excel)

Job description

Manager, Trade Operations & Compliance (US)

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Description

This role is responsible for managing all U.S. customs compliance and brokerage activities. The position ensures adherence to CBP and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements and serves as the company’s subject matter expert on classification, valuation, origin, and trade programs. The purpose of the role is to maintain compliant and efficient U.S. trade operations.

Active Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Customs Operations
  • Handle all U.S. import and export compliance activities, including entry preparation, filing, post-entry actions, and recordkeeping in accordance with CBP regulations.
  • Monitor clearances, engaging with brokers to ensure accurate entries, investigating exceptions to resolution.
• Classification & Valuation
  • Manage HTS classification, valuation (including assists and related-party pricing), country of origin, and ADD/CVD applicability.
  • Lead research on policies and practices associated with trade agreements, and lead on classification resolution disputes, proactively managing tariff exposure, including customer tariff recovery documentation.
• Data & Analytics
  • Administration-level fluency with US Customs ACE Portal and trade reports to monitor compliance, duty spend, and operational efficiency.
  • Develop dashboards and KPIs to measure performance.
• Regulatory Engagement
  • Act as the primary contact for CBP and PGAs (e.g., FDA, EPA, USDA). Manage inquiries, audits, and maintain CTPAT status.
• Policies & Controls
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, broker management processes, and compliance training. Track regulatory updates and implement changes as needed.
• Trade Programs & Cost Savings
  • Identify and implement duty-minimization opportunities (e.g., USMCA, drawback, FTZ, reconciliation) in partnership with Procurement, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Resolve import/export delays, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve compliance, accuracy, and cycle time.

Qualifications

• Active U.S. Customs Broker License.
• 7+ years in customs brokerage, trade compliance, or trade operations.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS, valuation, origin, and PGA requirements.
• Experience with ACE Portal, preferably as system administrator; post-entry processes, SOP development, broker management, and responding to CBP/PGA audits.
• Demonstrated ability to act independently upon information and make decisions in adherence to compliance, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and understand issues and resolve inquiries and develop appropriate solutions quickly, effectively and independently.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel and ability to work with large datasets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• CTPAT program management experience.
• Experience with customs audits, ADD/CVD, reconciliation, and USMCA qualification.
• Exposure to global trade compliance.

Tools & Systems

• Trade Systems: ACE Portal, brokerage software.
• ERP: SAP (preferred) or equivalent.
• Productivity: Microsoft Office (advanced Excel); data visualization tools a plus.

Work Environment

Flexible, hybrid work available. Great company culture that is supportive and believes in continuous learning and growth.

Benefits Package & Employee Programs

• Paid Time Off – Enjoy paid vacation days, holidays, and a floating holiday!
• Top‑Tier Health Coverage – Comprehensive health insurance benefits include medical, dental, vision, accident, disability, dependent life, and other voluntary options. Our Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are available with a company‑funded stipend.
• Peace of Mind – Employer‑paid Life Insurance
• Secure Your Future – A competitive 401(k) plan with employer match to help you plan ahead.
• Family First – Paid Parental Leave so you can focus on what matters most.
• Grow With Us – We support your journey with Education Assistance for college degrees and professional certifications.
• Career Advancement – Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility.
• Never Stop Learning – Unlock access to thousands of free online courses through our Learning & Development platform.
• Celebrate You – Our Employee Recognition Programs spotlight your achievements and contributions.
• Support When You Need It – Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Get Rewarded – Earn bonus dollars with our Referral Bonus Program.
• Perks Galore – Enjoy discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high‑quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry‑Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.