Senior Advisor Global Trade & Customs (North America)
Opportunity to work in a world class organisation
Partake in our customs operations and trade compliance activities
Based in Chicago, US
Salary range for Illinois is between $112k-$154k
About the Team
The Global Trade Compliance team supports compliant and efficient international trade operations across North American and global supply chain networks. The team works closely with sourcing, procurement, logistics, finance, legal, and external customs authorities to ensure compliance with international trade laws and customs regulations while supporting operational efficiency and business continuity.
About the role
The Senior Advisor Global Trade & Customs supports customs operations and trade compliance activities across North American markets. This role assists with tariff classification, customs documentation, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) qualification, and operational customs compliance processes.
The successful candidate will support day-to-day customs workflows, broker coordination, compliance reporting, and process improvement initiatives while developing expertise in customs operations and global trade compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Customs Operations Support
Support import and export customs clearance activities across North American operations.
Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and logistics providers to ensure timely shipment processing.
Review customs and shipping documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Assist with resolving customs holds, shipment delays, and operational escalations
Tariff Classification & Trade Compliance
Support tariff classification activities and customs master data maintenance.
Assist with origin determination and FTA qualification processes.
Support compliance with import/export regulations and internal customs procedures.
Maintain customs records and support audit readiness activities.
Reporting & Process Improvement
Prepare Trade KPI reporting and customs compliance summaries.
Assist with maintaining SOPs and trade compliance documentation.
Support process improvement and workflow optimization initiatives.
Assist with ERP system updates and trade compliance data management.
Stakeholder Support
Partner with procurement, logistics, sourcing, and finance teams on customs-related activities.
Escalate operational or compliance risks as appropriate.
Support internal stakeholders with customs and trade compliance guidance.
Participate in ongoing training related to customs regulations and trade compliance requirements.
What you will bring
To be successfully considered for this role;
4+ years of experience in customs operations, trade compliance, logistics, or international trade.
Foundational knowledge of tariff classification, customs documentation, and import/export processes.
Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, or logistics providers preferred.
Exposure to FTAs, origin determination, or customs valuation considered an asset.
Familiarity with ERP or trade management systems preferred.
Strong organizational and analytical skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Effective communication and stakeholder coordination capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong willingness to learn and develop trade compliance expertise.
Team-oriented mindset with a focus on operational excellence.
What we offer
Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
A competitive salary package with annual cash incentive awards for eligible employees
Career development & education assistance to further your ambitions
Access top tier family-friendly health and medical programs and pension plan
Wellbeing benefits
Generous Rio Tinto employee share program
Employee Assistance Program
Ongoing individual wellbeing support for you and your family for personal and professional matter
Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave)
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
