Import Trade Operations Manger

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

The Manager of Import Trade Operations at Watlow will play a critical role in driving the execution, compliance, and optimization of our global import activities - with a focus on U.S. operations. Reporting to the Senior Import Systems Manager, you'll lead day-to-day broker and entry management, ensure timely and accurate transactions, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, manage costs, and maintain regulatory compliance.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be the primary point of contact for customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies, ensuring proper classification, documentation, and resolution of import-related issues. You'll also work directly with Customs & Border Protection and support strategic initiatives such as duty mitigation, tariff management, and post-entry compliance.

If you're a licensed Customs Broker with a deep understanding of U.S. import regulations, strong operational problem-solving skills, and a passion for driving continuous improvement - this is your opportunity to make a global impact.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Import Operations Leadership: Oversee daily execution of global import activities, ensuring timely entry processing, broker performance, and resolution of import-related issues.
• Broker & Regulatory Management: Act as the primary point of contact for customs brokers and manage communications with U.S. Customs, including ACE reporting and responses to CF-28/29 requests.
• Data Integrity & Classification: Ensure accurate HTS classification, country of origin determination, and valuation methods in collaboration with item master data, procurement, and engineering teams.
• Issue Escalation & Resolution: Proactively identify and resolve import issues such as shipping holds, bonded entries, PGA flags, and delays.
• Process & Performance Improvement: Maintain and enhance SOPs, track KPIs, and drive continuous improvements in import clearance processes and broker efficiency.
• Post-Entry & Refund Compliance: Support post-summary corrections, reconciliation, and duty recovery initiatives.
• Tariff Strategy & Mitigation: Monitor Section 232/301 tariff impacts and support strategies for corrective actions and duty mitigation.
• Training & Recordkeeping: Maintain compliant import documentation and support internal training and awareness of import responsibilities in line with 19 CFR *163

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, or a related field
• 5-7 years of experience in U.S. import operations, customs brokerage, or trade compliance
• Expert knowledge of HTS classification, valuation methods, and country of origin determination
• Experience working in ACE, broker portals, and other trade compliance platforms
• Valid U.S. Customs Broker License
• Proficiency in working with large data sets and creating visual reports or dashboards

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the industrial or manufacturing sector
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills; able to collaborate effectively across functions and time zones
• Highly analytical and process-oriented, with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Exposure to Section 232/301 tariffs, post-entry processes (PSC, reconciliation), and duty mitigation strategies
• Familiarity with import recordkeeping requirements under 19 CFR *163
• Experience driving continuous improvement in import operations, SOP development, and compliance metrics

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.