Trade Operations Manager- Americas
QSC is creating exceptional, people-centric experiences with the perfect balance of technology and creativity. Q-SYS, our innovative full stack audio, video and control platform, unifies data, devices and a cloud-first architecture, empowering organizations to deliver transformative AV experiences across built spaces. Building on the QSC legacy, QSC Audio delivers audio technology that empowers live entertainers and sound reinforcement professionals with the confidence to create and deliver memorable experiences for their audiences.
Atrius, Distech Controls and QSC are part of the Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS) business segment. Our mission is to make spaces smarter, safer and greener through our strategy of connecting the edge with the cloud using disruptive technologies that leverage data interoperability.
Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.
We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals. Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com. #QSYS
Work location:
- This position requires on-site presence in Corporate CA, HQ, following a hybrid work model.
Job Summary
Primarily responsible for ensuring QSC's compliance with trade laws, trade business processes, and regulations in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America in accordance with corporate policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks. This role serves as the primary regional point of contact for customs and export compliance matters across the Americas and partners closely with Internal Legal Trade Compliance to support implementation of global trade compliance policies and requirements.
The position provides technical trade compliance expertise and operational leadership for customs and export compliance activities, including HTS classification, ECCN classification, country of origin determinations, customs valuation, free trade agreement qualification, duty drawback, tariff analysis, and export controls. The role leads compliance assessments, audits, monitoring activities, and corrective action initiatives, develops auditable compliance documentation, and identifies and mitigates compliance risks while supporting business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Customs Classification, Country of Origin & Trade Determinations
Conduct and maintain HTSUS classifications, customs valuation reviews, country of origin determinations, substantial transformation analyses, and regulatory assessments supporting imports and exports throughout the Americas. Develop and maintain audit ready records and technical compliance memoranda supporting regulatory requirements.
Export Controls & ECCN Classification
Conduct and maintain ECCN classifications, export licensing determinations, EAR compliance reviews, denied party screening oversight, and export control assessments. Maintain BIS compliant records and supporting documentation, and support export compliance audits, investigations, and regulatory inquiries.
FTA, TAA, & Special Trade Programs
Administer and document Free Trade Agreement programs (including USMCA), Trade Agreements Act (TAA) eligibility analyses, tariff mitigation initiatives, and other special trade programs. Maintain qualification records, supplier certifications, and supporting documentation.
Import Compliance, Duty Drawback, Reconciliation & Post Entry Activities
Conduct import compliance reviews, support post summary corrections (PSCs), reconciliation filings,duty drawback claims, broker oversight activities, customs entry validations, and other customs compliance activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
Audit, Risk Assessments & Internal Controls
Lead customs and trade compliance audits, risk assessments, monitoring activities, and internal control reviews. Identify compliance gaps, document findings, develop corrective action plans, and support CBP, BIS, and internal audit activities.
Process Improvement, Training & Stakeholder Support
Develop and improve trade compliance procedures, SOPs, work instructions, compliance controls, and training programs. Provide technical guidance to stakeholders regarding classification, valuation, country of origin, FTA qualification, TAA eligibility, duty drawback, export controls, and customs compliance requirements.
Regulatory Monitoring & Trade Compliance Advisory
Monitor and assess changes to customs, export control, sanctions, tariff, and trade regulations affecting QSC's operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. Communicate regulatory updates, provide compliance guidance to stakeholders, and recommend process or control enhancements to maintain compliance and support business objectives.
Job Requirements & Qualifications
- Fluent in English and Spanish, both verbal and written.
- Clear and compelling written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated expertise in HTSUS classification, ECCN classification, customs valuation, country of origin determinations, free trade agreement qualification, duty drawback, and U.S. export controls (EAR).
- In-depth knowledge of USHTS/HS, country of origin requirements, free trade agreements, and U.S. EAR.
- Working knowledge of ACE and SNAP-R.
- Familiarity with the LATAM import/export environment.
- Experience working on cross-functional teams to implement system changes based on user or legal requirements.
- Excellent research and analytical skills with the ability to present conclusions clearly and effectively based on the intended audience and context.
- Strong understanding of the relevant regulatory environment, its impact on QSC, and how to develop, improve, and execute effective trade compliance programs.
- Ability to promote and maintain a strong compliance culture and ethical business practices.
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Minimum Experience
6–8 years of experience.
Preferred Education
Bachelor’s degree or similar certification in a relevant field, such as International Business and Trade, Logistics, or a related discipline.
Equivalent relevant work experience may be considered.
Preferred Experience
5+ years of experience in a Trade Compliance role.
Deep knowledge of trade compliance processes and how they integrate with other business functions.
QSC. is owned by Acuity Inc., which is located in the United States. These companies share a global recruitment system on which the data you provide will be stored, and which will be subject to the laws of the United States of America.
The range for this position is $91,400.00 to $164,400.00. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant’s experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on role. For a list of our benefits, click here.
We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please click here and here for more information.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.
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Nearest Major Market: Orange County
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles
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