Global Customs Compliance Leader
Northlake, IL, US, 60164
Pay Ranges: $115,000 - $135,000
Other components of this position’s benefits package include:
- Eligibility to receive Short-Term Incentive Compensation
- Vacation, paid company holidays, paid personal/sick days
- Eligibility to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan, including employer contributions
- Eligibility to receive medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental care benefits, basic and optional term life insurance coverage, basic and voluntary accidental death and dismemberment coverage, dependent term life insurance coverage, and disability coverage
- All benefits are subject to the terms of the applicable plans.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us. With combined annual sales of more than $8.5 billion and 22,000+ employees worldwide, the DIC Group companies support a diverse collection of global customers.
Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A. For more information, please visit our website at www.sunchemical.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter
About the Role:
We're seeking an experienced Global Customs Compliance Leader to build and lead our customs and trade compliance function across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. This is a strategic leadership role where you'll establish processes, set governance frameworks, and create audit mechanisms that ensure compliance and operational excellence across our Packaging & Graphics, Color Materials, and Advanced Materials business units.
What You'll Do:
Build the Foundation
- Design and implement a harmonized global customs compliance program from the ground up
- Establish governance structures, standard operating procedures, and audit processes across all regions
- Create a scalable compliance organization as foundational processes mature
- Standardize systems and processes while incorporating regional best practices
Lead Compliance Operations
- Oversee harmonized tariff classification (HTS), country of origin determinations, and Free Trade Agreement eligibility
- Manage denied party screening, preference documentation, and manufacturing affidavits
- Maintain classification accuracy using technical specifications and product drawings
- Conduct annual reviews of HTS codes and compliance documentation
Drive Training & Awareness
- Develop and deliver formal training programs across key geographies
- Create internal compliance documentation and best practice guides
- Identify improvement opportunities and upskill teams on compliance requirements
Collaborate Cross-Functionally
- Partner with warehousing, manufacturing, IT, and business leaders to align compliance with operational objectives
- Coordinate with external customs brokers and third-party logistics providers
- Support internal teams with FTA documentation and origin determination
Monitor & Optimize
- Track transactional data to identify trends and cost-saving opportunities
- Use scorecards and RACI frameworks to measure performance and clarify accountability
- Deliver timely reports on compliance metrics and improvement initiatives
- Escalate service issues with external partners when necessary
What You Bring:
Required:
- 10+ years of customs and trade compliance experience in a global manufacturing or chemical company
- Proven ability to establish processes, governance frameworks, and compliance programs
- Deep expertise in customs compliance across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific
- Strong understanding of HTS classification, FTAs, country of origin rules, and import/export regulations
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field
- Licensed Customs Broker certification
- Experience with SAP and APO systems
- Background in ethical supplier compliance and cross-functional collaboration
Why This Role:
This is a unique opportunity to build something from the ground up establishing the processes, governance, and organizational structure that will shape global customs compliance for years to come. If you're a strategic thinker who can balance compliance rigor with operational efficiency, we want to hear from you.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is Sun’s policy that applicants for employment are recruited, selected, and hired on the basis of individual merit and ability with respect to the position being filled. Sun prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Employment agencies are an important component of our talent acquisition strategy, and we value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. We will not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Sun Chemical or directly to hiring managers in any form without a signed contract on file, and search engagement for that position, will be deemed unsolicited in nature, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means. Additionally, any resume submitted without a contract in place will be considered property of Sun Chemical and no fees will be paid to the agency if the candidate is hired.
Note: The base pay range listed is a good-faith estimate of what Sun Chemical may offer to new hires for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), relevant experience, education, certifications, and alignment with the minimum job qualifications. Additional considerations may include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity within Sun Chemical. #ID23
Nearest Major Market: Chicago