Versatile global trade management

Reporting to the Vice president of Operations, I am responsible for all day to day and strategic activities for Tariff Classification and Global Trade Compliance. This dual role was created and implemented in December 2021. The compliance team was required to develop training and audit programs from scratch. Compliance professionals previously reported directly to the operational teams. We removed any perceived and actual conflicts of interest by consolidating the compliance professionals on to one team and out of operations.

Reporting to the Vice president of Operations, I am responsible for all day to day and strategic activities for Tariff Classification and Global Trade Compliance. I was responsible for 10 Global Trade Classification Compliance professionals. We were responsible for 100% auditing of analyst completed harmonized tariff schedule classifications before submitting for customs clearance. We built classification guides for operational accuracy and consistency, which organically reduced rework and delays in border crossings. During this time, I also absorbed the role of Client Relationship Manager for our organization's highest net profiting client. The size of the team I managed increased from 10 to 20, a near even split between compliance professionals and classification analysts.

As a Quality Specialist, reporting to the Quality Senior Manager, I was responsible for ensuring the organizational compliance to the ISO 9001 standard, to maintain our certification. In addition, I was responsible for the design and execution of Livingston International Global Trade Management training program. Maintain training schedule and work with Subject Matter Experts to develop training required for the organization. Distribute bi-monthly facilitator newsletter to provide guidance and tips for improving facilitator skill base. Drive the Quality Management System (ISO standard) throughout the organization. Provide 1x1 coaching on corrective actions, root cause analysis, control of documentation, control of records and Quality software (Entropy) functionality. Provide training on Quality Management System and each employee's role within to maintain our ISO certification. Work along side the Business Process Improvement team to educate and continuously improve the organization's processes and procedures. Additionally, develop and maintain necessary metrics related to the Quality Management System and communicate them to senior management. Provide areas of opportunity analysis to senior management regarding training and quality objectives. When process errors were discovered, I worked with the necessary operational team to mitigate and/or eliminate any non-compliance through the Corrective Action process. I supported operations in the areas of Root Cause Analysis, Action Plans, Action Items, Effectiveness Reviews, and process documentation revisions and creation.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) trainer for all classification analysts. Provided auditing and consulting to classification analysts on accuracy and record keeping daily. Updated internal procedures based on US Customs & Border Protection rulings and updates to the HTS. Developed and managed responses to Customs Forms 28 & 29 and Prior Disclosures on behalf of our clients. I was responsible for developing and updating Customs Classification Guides. The guides were utilized by analysts to maintain accuracy and consistency in the classification of products related to each other in functionality. I was also responsible for the Introduction to Classification for all new classification analysts. The introduction course was a 1-week training program which included group and 1x1 discussions, assessments throughout, and 100% auditing of their classifications and any necessary feedback for improved job performance.

Performed United States and Canadian Import and Export classifications for our clients. Commodities included automotive, hi-tech and some chemicals. Managed a team of 12 classifiers in the absence of the team supervisor. Selected to interface with our hi-tech clients to manage client expectations, questions, project(s) status and complaints. Responsible for the on-going training of my team's employees new to the hi-tech classification teams.

As Team Leader/Supervisor, I managed 13 employees in a manufacturing setting. Our departments were responsible for building the arm/hinge mechanism required to raise and drop a vehicle's convertible top, and also the welding of the rear glass panel to the convertible top. In both departments I also oversaw the Quality inspections prior to the completed convertible top approved for additional assembly and completion to client standards.

I entered the company as part of the Import Operations team with a concentration on the tracking & tracing of shipments for our clients. I later moved to a role where I supervised a help-desk for an automotive client, including on-boarded and managed a Customs Broker relationship for our client.