As a family-owned and operated company, we feel a special obligation to the employees who comprise our Taco family. We are committed to offering employees access to the tools necessary to live long and productive lives. We strive to instill in all of our employees:
- A positive mental attitude that helps us to be a leader in the industry
- A commitment to building strong relationships, both inside and outside the organization
- A desire to learn, grow, and contribute to moving our strategy forward
- A need to create and to innovate
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Shift: 1st Shift
Work Status: Hybrid
Position Summary
The Manager, Import & Export Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing global trade compliance programs for a multinational HVAC manufacturing organization. This role ensures full compliance with all applicable import and export laws, regulations, and trade programs across global markets, while supporting efficient supply chain operations and business growth.
The Manager will act as a subject matter expert on U.S. and international trade regulations, provide strategic guidance to cross‑functional teams, manage compliance risks, and serve as the primary liaison with government authorities and external partners related to global trade.
Measures of success:
- Zero material regulatory violations or enforcement actions related to import/export activities.
- Timely and accurate completion of internal audits, compliance assessments, and corrective action plans.
- Reduction in compliance risks identified through audits, broker reviews, and government interactions.
- Accuracy rate of tariff classifications, country of origin determinations, and customs valuation (target: ≥99%).
- Customs clearance performance, including reduced shipment delays, holds, or penalties.
- Duty savings achieved through Free Trade Agreements, duty drawback, and other trade programs.
- On‑time export license determinations and filings, with no unauthorized exports.
- 100% restricted party screening compliance across customers, suppliers, and transactions.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Global Trade Compliance
- Develop, maintain, and enforce import and export compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls across all regions.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including but not limited to:
- U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
- Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations
- EU Dual‑Use Regulations
- Other country‑specific import/export laws and trade requirements
- Monitor regulatory changes and assess impact on HVAC products, components, and technologies.
Import Compliance
- Oversee accurate product classification (HTS), customs valuation, and country of origin determinations.
- Ensure proper use of Incoterms and compliance with customs documentation requirements.
- Manage duty mitigation programs, including Free Trade Agreements (USMCA, EU FTAs, etc.), duty drawback, and special customs regimes.
- Conduct internal audits and risk assessments related to import activity.
Export Controls & Sanctions
- Manage export classification (ECCN), license determination, and licensing activities.
- Ensure compliance with restricted party screening and embargoed country requirements.
- Support export compliance related to HVAC systems, controls, refrigerants, and energy‑efficiency technologies with potential dual‑use applications.
Training & Advisory
- Develop and deliver trade compliance training for supply chain, engineering, sales, logistics, and customer service teams.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and operational teams on trade compliance risks and best practices.
- Support new product introductions and market expansions from a compliance perspective.
Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Lead internal audits, compliance assessments, and corrective action plans.
- Coordinate responses to government inquiries, audits, and disclosures as needed.
- Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external trade consultants.
- Drive process improvements and digital compliance solutions to enhance visibility and efficiency.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in import/export compliance, global trade, or customs for a manufacturing organization.
- Prior experience managing or leading trade compliance programs at a global level.
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. and international trade regulations (EAR, OFAC, CBP, EU, and Asia‑Pacific regulations).
- Expertise in tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, and FTA qualification.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and risk‑management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management abilities.
- Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into practical business guidance.
- Proven ability to work cross‑functionally in a matrixed, multinational environment.
- High level of integrity, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
Preferred:
- Master's Degree in Business, Logistics, or related field
- Experience within HVAC, industrial manufacturing, or regulated technical products strongly preferred.
- Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB)
- Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP)
- Export Compliance Certification (e.g., ECoP, CES)
- Familiarity with product regulatory requirements impacting HVAC equipment and components.
Work Environment
This position works primarily in an office environment using computers and technology. Verbal and auditory capability are required. Occasional exposure in production plant where large equipment and noise are prevalent. Safety gear is required in these areas.
This position may work from home up to 2X/week if performance is in good standing.
Management
This position has approximately 1-2 direct reports including but not limited to.
- Export Compliance Specialist
Benefits
With nearly 1,000 people working at Taco worldwide, each with their own story, you will discover a sense of community and diverse, intelligent colleagues who help us innovate, create and explore.
Taco employees benefit from a company that:
- Provides competitive salaries and benefits
- Offers tuition reimbursement, career development, and on-site training programs in our learning center
- Believes in sharing profits with its employees
- Is mindful about family, health and well-being
- Fosters conditions that allow people and communities to reach their full potential
- Embraces and celebrates diversity
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