Trade Compliance Manager - Oxford, MA

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 6,500 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.

Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged, diverse, and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.

Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.

Job Summary

As the Trade Compliance Manager - Import, you will use your expertise to oversee and direct the ongoing strategic development and implementation of IPG Photonics Corporation's customs and import program. You will collaborate with global partners at all levels of the organization, both domestically and internationally, to enable business units to efficiently and effectively navigate the customs and import compliance landscape.

This position will report to the Senior Director, Global Trade and Compliance Counsel and be an integral member of the Global Trade Compliance Organization within the corporate legal team. The Trade Compliance Manager - Import will also work closely with IPG's Logistics, Purchasing, Operations, and Manufacturing teams, as well as counterparts at international sites.

Job Functions

• Oversee, enhance, and maintain a comprehensive import compliance program to include policies, procedures, and controls tailored to the Company's business operations, risk profile and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the Company's customs registrations and licenses, duty relief programs, (drawback, tariff exclusions, etc.), and participation in CTPAT.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and compliance with customs requirements, customs and import compliance challenges and opportunities. Work closely with cross-functional and global business partners to implement effective controls and optimize processes to minimize customs clearance delays.
• Serve as the resource for internal business partners, providing import and customs compliance information, including guidance on procedures, risks, Incoterms, classification, duties, valuation, and marking of COO for products and packaging, etc. Coordinate with internal teams, customs brokers, logistics providers, and government agencies to resolve customs-related issues and inquiries.
• Monitor and assess impact of local and global customs changes and related laws and regulations, ability to summarize and provide guidance to mitigate risk (e.g., Section 301, USITC litigation cases, Forced Labor, Preferential Trade Agreements, Supply Chain Due Diligence, etc.).
• Ensure proper classification of products under the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) and accurate application of duty rates. Partner with product management and business units regarding HTS classifications. Assist with the submission of classification and scope ruling requests.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and retention of Company's customs and import records.
• Monitor and ensure timely and accurate submission of customs documents, including import and export declarations. Review import entries for accuracy, make corrections/modifications, as necessary, and monitor customs broker activities to ensure all directives are followed.
• Perform post entry functions - including tariff concessions, refunds, duty drawbacks, credits, reconciliation.
• Conduct regular audits of import processes and records to ensure compliance with customs regulations and internal policies. Assist in investigations and review of trade/import compliance, as well as developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage import team, including direct supervision, training, and development of import team members in day-to-day customs and import activities. Provide guidance and support to trade compliance team in handling customs documentation and procedures.
• Support the development of SOPs and training and the refinement and implementation of Customs and Import Compliance-related processes and best practices.

• Certified Customs Broker license and/or Certified Customs Specialist/Certified US Import Professional preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing customs and import compliance.
• Proven experience developing and implementing import related policies and procedures in a complex, global organization.
• Experience managing a CTPAT program, Harmonized Tariff System (HTS), Valuation, and Country of Origin rules.
• Experience with antidumping/countervailing duties and Section 301 tariff programs.
• Solid understanding of Incoterms and their compliance and operational applications.
• Experience with Chapter 98, duty relief, and duty drawback programs.
• Experience managing brokers, logistics providers, or freight forwarders.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques.
• Excellent collaboration and influence with management and cross functional teams.
• Independent work initiative, ability to multitask, manage complex projects, and strong organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to apply to global issues.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy, tact, and discretion in critical issues.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to develop and manage people.
• Overnight travel may be requested about 10% of the time. This can vary based on business conditions.
• Knowledge of export controls a plus.
• Experience conducting import or export audits a plus.
• Experience with a large-scale ERP implementation a plus.
• Knowledge and experience in supply chain compliance a plus.