Trade Compliance Analyst

Job description

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

JOB PURPOSE

The incumbent is expected to be an interface between freight forwarders, Government agencies, customs brokers and Mars affiliates in regards to trade compliance. This person will be responsible for the following key areas: General knowledge of, & ability to apply laws and regulations related to trade compliance business activity in the Americas; must be proficient working with, and the requirements of, trade authorities in the US, CA, and MX; must be proficient working with compliance software and SAP; audits of import and export documentation, recordkeeping, and import/export classification of internationally shipped goods. Must leverage cross-functional relationships to enable quality decision making within Mars Trade compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (each item should account for 10% or more)

Execute Compliance Activities
• Execute Mars import/export compliance program - activities may include, but are not limited to, FDA Prior Notice, import operations and assignment of US, CA, and MX HTS and Schedule B classifications, execution of policies to apply customs regulations across US, CA, MX, and maintenance of Trade Software data.

Audit
• Utilize Trade Compliance Software to perform audits of import/export entries, and where software may not be utilized, complete manual audits of import/export requirements.
• Monitor procedures used by other Mars manufacturing facilities and vendors to ensure compliance with U.S. and other governmental trade regulations.
• Develop corrective actions resulting from deviations to audit standards with support of Sr. Analysts.
• Perform investigations pertaining to trade compliance with applicable import/ export laws.
• Other audit activities as assigned by the Trade Compliance Manager or Operations Manager.

Operations
• Execute Mars import/export operational processes and procedures, providing guidance to factories and customs brokers on customs information and ensure efficient goods movement.
• HTS classification of items and maintenance of classification database in accordance with Customs procedures.
• Provide feedback on broker and operations performance in Broker Reviews
• Participate in special projects as needed, which may include support of Commercial Operations
• Continue skill development in general trade compliance and business issues.
• Execute continuous improvement projects

Document Policies
• Update the Customs Compliance SharePoint as needed.
• Maintain records of import documents and monitor compliance of export documentation retention.
• Assist in creation and updating of SOP’s to ensure documented policies reflect current practice.

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPACT

• Facilitate resolution of and make decisions regarding trade compliance issues and problems that arise in connection with business activities involving Mars units
• Advise internal customers on import/export requirements, tariff systems and other customs-related matters.
• Execute corrective actions in response to audit results and hold affiliates, suppliers, and brokers accountable for compliance.
• Implement business procedures, best practices and internal controls necessary to ensure customs compliance to minimize business and legal risk, including creation of SOP's and documented procedures.
• Identify/implement cost savings opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training

Minimum: Bachelor's degree
Solid computer skills; proficiency in SAP

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in International Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or International Studies. Expertise in Excel

Related Experience/Requirements:

Minimum: 3 years of international logistics and trade compliance in consumer products or food manufacturing environment OR Customs brokerage experience
Experience in other logistics or risk management-related fields

Preferred: Experience working with FDA products or USDA, export controls experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Minimum: Effective communicator; excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to speak Spanish is strongly preferred
Sound interpersonal skills enabling the incumbent to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
Leadership skills - Standing Alone, Decision Quality, Comfort with Ambiguity, Problem Solving, Conflict Management
Proficient level Trade Compliance and Logistics knowledge

Preferred: Chemical, food, meat, USDA and machinery classification expertise + global FTA knowledge. 1 year experience in export controls.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform extensive typing.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago
Job Segment: ERP, Developer, Risk Management, SAP, Database, Technology, Finance