Import Compliance Specialist, US

US Import Compliance Specialist, UNASCC

Background & Purpose of the Job

The US Import Compliance Specialist oversees the import operations of finished goods into the United States, ensuring full compliance with government regulations. This role is pivotal in managing product flows across the Mexico-US-Canada borders and from overseas sources.

You’ll coordinate closely with customs brokers and logistics teams to ensure timely and efficient customs clearance. You’ll also collaborate with finance, operations, and logistics to leverage Free Trade Agreements and import quotas to reduce duty spending while maintaining regulatory compliance.

This role involves cross-functional engagement with manufacturing, customer service, transportation, and planning teams to support import processes, manage permit applications, and identify opportunities for process improvement and cost savings. Additionally, the specialist will occasionally support special imports such as machinery and equipment for Unilever factories, ensuring compliance and timely delivery for operational needs.


Who You Are & What You’ll Do

• Process Coordinator: Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and government agencies to ensure smooth customs clearance and regulatory adherence.
• HTS Classification Expert: Ensure accurate classification of import operations to facilitate seamless border crossings.
• Strategic Collaborator: Partner with finance, tax, planning, and logistics to maximize benefits from Free Trade Agreements, import quotas, duty drawbacks, and other programs.
• Permit Specialist: Manage timely import permit applications via government portals and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Regulatory Partner: Support Regulatory Affairs in working with Government agencies (e.g. FDA) to unblock detained import product at Ports of Entry due to Import Alerts or other challenges.
• Document Auditor: Validate import documents (e.g., invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin) for compliance before arrival at ports or borders.
• Compliance Evaluator: Monitor import activities to identify gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Constant Learner: Stay updated on regulatory changes through seminars and publications.
• Leadership Role: Provide clear guidance to third-party suppliers and ensure consistent documentation and communication.
• Team Integrator: Align the needs of departments within the International Supply Chain.
• Supportive Colleague: Collaborate on product launches, packaging changes, and innovations.
• Learning Catalyst: Train colleagues on trade compliance and import procedures.
• Special Imports Support: Coordinate compliance with occasional special imports of machinery and equipment, raw and packaging material or product samples for Unilever factories or R&D facilities.

You’re an Importing Engine:
• You’re the go-to person for import operations, known for navigating regulations and solving compliance challenges in the most efficient way. You can identify roadblocks and propose creative solutions to compliance hurdles. You anticipate bottlenecks and proactively engage stakeholders to keep the import flow moving without delays.

You’re an effective communicator:
• You simplify complex regulations and maintain clear communication with brokers, agencies, and internal teams. You can untangle the web of regulations and requirements of different government agencies. You keep your peers updated on your progress and informed of your needs so that necessary import documents are complete, accurate, and submitted on time. You are open-minded and listen to different points of view when working with cross-functional teams.

You’re a global operator:
• You bridge the operational and regulatory gap between the US and international partners. You speak the language of customs, forwarders, and compliance, and translate business needs into actionable logistics plans. Your ability to navigate multi-stakeholder environments ensures that imports arrive on time, every time.

What You’ll Need To Succeed
- Bachelor’s degree in Trade Compliance, International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in international trade and imports logistics, preferably handling shipments from Mexico and Canada into the United States.
• Strong knowledge of customs procedures, import documentation, and trade compliance.
• Experience working with ERP systems (SAP preferred), USCBP-ACE Portal, and Excel.
• Reporting skills and ability to summarize Import Entry data into monthly KPIs for senior leadership.
• Familiarity with government agencies such as USCBP, USFDA, USDA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Experience with USMCA, CTPAT, and other trade facilitation programs.
• Licensed Customs Broker certification is a plus.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $69,360 to $104,040. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs. 

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible. 

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible. 

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. 

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Unilever is an organization committed to diversity and inclusion to drive our business results and create a better future every day for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

For more information about your Federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination isIllegal and Pay Transparency Non discrimination Provision.

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.