Import Compliance Manager

New York Mills, New York Mills, NY, US

ABOUT US: The Fountainhead Group, in Central NY, introduced the first compressed air sprayer in 1888 and we've dedicated ourselves to creating products that make consumers' lives easier. Over the years, we've continued to build our legacy as the leader in liquid applicator technologies with category leading innovations. Today, we're proud to offer only the highest quality compressed air sprayers, backpack sprayers, mosquito foggers and more for both home and professional use. We are proud licensing partners and OEM Manufacturers for brands including Scotts, Miracle-Gro, Ortho, Roundup, Cutter, Black Flag, Repel, Husqvarna, DeWALT, Craftsman, and Black & Decker. We are also proud of our heritage brands including Smith, Field King, Burgess, Indian, and Smokechaser. Our vision is simple: Proudly Design, Manufacture, Sell, and Support products that improve customer satisfaction. That's kept us on top for 135+ years and the continued support from our employees and customers will keep us there.

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Role Overview:

The Import Compliance Manager will be primarily responsible for import compliance programs at one or more FGI sites and holds policy authority for import compliance at those sites. Responsibilities will include overseeing import compliance activities as required by the Customs Regulations and other Participating Government Agencies (PGAs), if applicable. This position requires strong general customs compliance experience in an active and fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this role

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Primary Role Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage an effective import compliance program, including all risk areas: valuation, classification, country of origin, marking, documentation, and record keeping

• Identify and draft cradle to grave procedures for all desk-level activities involved in the movement of goods across borders (import)

• Work with Finance and Purchasing teams to ensure imported goods are properly valued.

• Classify products for import to/from the U.S. under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule

• Perform evaluation and analysis of eligibility for preferential treatment under Free Trade Agreements (e.g. USMCA); manage requests to suppliers for supporting documentation and information

• Analyze and interpret import regulations and maintain current knowledge of changes

• Identify and implement procedures to minimize import duties as allowed under law

• Advise Purchasing and the Executive teams about trade compliance aspects and risks of proposed business decisions; collaborate effectively with peers at related company sites

• Work proactively with other departments to prevent trade disruptions and maintain effective trade (import) compliance programs

• Monitor compliance activities and the effectiveness of internal controls; review with department trade compliance internal controls (procedures, work instructions, forms, checklists, and tools) with department managers to ensure they are current and compliant

• Produce and analyze reports from Customs’ ACE portal, internal ERP/MRP, and other information systems

• Oversee relationships with customs brokers and audit them for effectiveness

  Prerequisite Experience/Characteristics:

• Demonstrated history of competency implementing or working in an efficient and effective customs compliance program (including product classification and related party valuation experience)

• Demonstrated history of competency with the U.S. Customs Regulations, etc.

• Strong computer skills including ability to research transactions and prepare reports in Customs’ Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) information systems, perform spreadsheet calculations, and quickly learn new software tools

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong program management experience and excellent project leadership skills

• Ability to work at both detail and strategic levels; work calmly under pressure and with frequent interruptions, and display sound judgment

• Ability to prepare or revise procedures, work instructions, forms, and business flowcharts

• Ability to prepare and review complex business documents

  Desired Expertise:

• Minimum of 7 years U.S. regulatory import trade compliance experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Logistics, Supply Chain or similar field of study, strongly preferred

• Current U.S. Customs Broker License or a Customs Certified Specialist certification (CCS)

• Complete understanding of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Regulations (19 CFR), including knowledge of Customs valuation and classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S.

• Understand country-of-origin and marking issues, record keeping requirements, and supply chain security regulations as they relate to imports

• Experience working with appropriate U.S. international trade regulatory agencies, including U.S. Customs

• Experience developing a formal trade compliance program with a global organization

  Personal Characteristics:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage and execute multiple priorities simultaneously

• Ability to maintain resilience and composure in stressful situations

  The Fountainhead Group, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company, dedicated to the success and longevity of our business, our employees, and our community. For more than 130 years, FGI has been creating, innovating, and manufacturing liquid sprayer products for the world's top brands and retailers, driven by the hard work of our FGI Family of employees. Across four manufacturing and distribution centers in CNY, our commitment to the betterment of our employees and our community is demonstrated in our robust philanthropy and volunteer programs, supporting more than 350+ local nonprofits and ensuring the success of the community for generations of the FGI Family to come. The Fountainhead Group Inc. is an AAE/EEO employer.

  In addition to a competitive salary, we are pleased to offer the following benefit package:

  Medical

  Dental

  Paid Vacation

  Holiday Pay

  401k with employer match up to 2%

  Tuition Reimbursement

  Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

  Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  Employer paid Life Insurance

  Employee paid Voluntary Life and Short Term Disability Coverage

  Company Website

  https://www.thefountainheadgroup.com/

  To learn more about our company culture and commitment to the local community, visit the “Community” page of our website and be sure to follow our Facebook account for exciting updates and events!

  www.thefountainheadgroup.com/community

  www.facebook.com/thefountainheadgroup