Global Shipping & Customs Liaison
Department: Operations / Supply Chain / Global Logistics
Reports To: Director of Operations or Global Supply Chain Manager
Location: Flexible / Hybrid / Remote with occasional international travel
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Global Shipping & Customs Liaison to manage and streamline international shipping operations across multiple countries and regions. This role is responsible for ensuring products move efficiently through global customs processes, comply with international trade regulations, and minimize delays caused by import/export documentation or regulatory issues.
The ideal candidate will serve as the primary point of contact between freight forwarders, customs brokers, government agencies, internal teams, and international partners to reduce operational bottlenecks and eliminate the extensive research currently required for global shipments.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate international shipments from origin to destination across multiple regions and countries
- Manage customs clearance activities and work directly with customs brokers to resolve holds, delays, and compliance issues
- Research and maintain knowledge of country-specific import/export regulations, duties, taxes, certifications, and documentation requirements
- Ensure all shipping documentation is accurate and compliant, including:
- Commercial invoices
- Packing lists
- Certificates of origin
- Harmonized Tariff (HTS) codes
- Import permits and export declarations
- Develop standardized processes and documentation guides for global shipping requirements
- Collaborate with internal sales, operations, purchasing, legal, and finance teams to ensure shipment readiness and compliance
- Build relationships with freight carriers, customs officials, and international logistics partners
- Monitor changing international trade laws, sanctions, tariffs, and compliance requirements
- Assist with product classification and regulatory approvals for new international markets
- Troubleshoot and resolve shipping disruptions, customs holds, and cross-border logistics challenges
- Maintain records and audit trails for compliance and reporting purposes
- Identify opportunities to reduce shipping costs, customs delays, and operational inefficiencies
Qualifications
Required
- 3+ years of experience in international shipping, customs compliance, global logistics, or import/export coordination
- Strong understanding of international trade regulations and customs procedures
- Experience working with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and global carriers
- Knowledge of HTS classification, Incoterms, and import/export documentation
- Excellent problem-solving and research skills
- Strong communication and coordination abilities across international teams and vendors
- High attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities simultaneously
Preferred
- Experience in manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, or distribution industries
- Customs Broker License or international trade certifications preferred
- Familiarity with ERP/shipping platforms and logistics management systems
- Experience with FDA, FCC, CE, or other regulatory product approvals is a plus
- Multilingual communication skills are beneficial
Key Competencies
- Global logistics coordination
- Regulatory compliance
- Customs documentation
- Cross-functional communication
- Process improvement
- Vendor and broker management
- Risk mitigation
- International trade knowledge
Why This Role Matters
This position is critical to enabling efficient global operations by reducing shipment delays, minimizing compliance risks, and eliminating the excessive research and troubleshooting currently required for international product movement. The Global Shipping & Customs Liaison will create scalable processes that support the company’s continued international growth.
