Job Description

As the Senior Global Trade Specialist - Compliance, you will provide support for our dynamic global trade in perishable fresh produce. This entails navigating the complexities of oversight from various government agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Plant Protection. Robinson Fresh handles nearly 10,000 imports per year into the US, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Chile from approximately 20 countries. Due to the unique contracting and pricing models in the fresh produce industry, customs valuation is complex and often requires post-importation analysis and reconciliation. This role presents a unique opportunity for you to demonstrate your strategic and entrepreneurial approach, leveraging relationships with our network of 10+ customs brokers to manage importer and exporter compliance activities within a parent corporation that is one of the largest global forwarding and customs service providers in the marketplace.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the Robinson Fresh customs valuation reconciliation (RECON) program and oversee valuation processes and procedures (assist with declarations, monitor returnable packaging declarations, calculate reconciliation values, prepare reconciliation files, etc.)
• Collaborate with the Director of Trade Compliance in conducting cost and benefit analyses of a perishable customs brokerage product for the Robinson Fresh division (self-filing of entries and customer-facing perishable customs solutions)
• Manage the USDA phytosanitary requirements and the Robinson Fresh portfolio of USDA APHIS Plant Protection import permits
• Analyze customs trade data (ITRAC and ACE) for broker oversight, valuation testing, and meaningful trade compliance metrics for leadership and employees
• Provide oversight for import and export compliance in the USA, Europe, and Canada (for all countries where Robinson Fresh is the responsible importer or exporter of record)
• Generate ACE reports, including running, scheduling, and creating customized ACE trade reports
• Review and audit Customs entries as necessary to ensure the accuracy of declared data and information
• Manage and oversee Robinson Fresh's relationships with external and internal customs brokers, including fee negotiations, Power of Attorney management, broker operating procedures, broker KPIs, and conducting business reviews with internal stakeholders and external service providers
• Administer the Free Trade Agreement program, including analyzing the cost versus benefit of FTA claims, collecting FTA certificates, and conducting free trade-related research and projects
• Collaborate with the Director of Trade Compliance to establish trade compliance processes and tools globally (in Europe, Latin America, and Asia)
• Implement processes to ensure that all FDA-related border crossing issues are escalated to senior management and Food Safety personnel
• Provide assistance on special projects involving trade compliance and foreign vendor compliance, as requested or needed
• Exhibit the ability to influence cross-functionally in order to gain buy-in and effectively implement/approve compliance programs
• Engage with various regional and national trade organizations and stay informed about dynamic changes in trade and compliance
• Represent Robinson Fresh as a leader within our industry

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or associate degree combined with trade-related certifications (e.g., Licensed Customs Broker)
• Licensed Customs House Broker (LCHB)
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in international customs, transportation, supply chain, and logistics (preferably with perishable refrigerated cargo), or 5 years' experience in the fresh produce industry in a global capacity
• Up to 10% travel required, including infrequent international travel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Entrepreneurial, creative mindset with a determination to succeed
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and phone etiquette
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively
• Exceptional customer service skills and meticulous follow-up
• Demonstrated ability to navigate between multiple systems

Questioning if you meet the mark? Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply unless they match the job description exactly. Here at C.H. Robinson, we’re building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel they belong. If this position excites you, we welcome you to apply whether you check all the preferred qualifications or just a few. You may just be our next great fit!

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

C.H. Robinson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We believe in equality for all and celebrate the diversity of our employees, customers and communities. We believe this increases creativity and innovation, drives business growth and enables engaged and thriving teams. We’re committed to providing an inclusive environment, free from harassment and discrimination, where all employees feel welcomed, valued and respected.

Affirmative Action Employer/EOE/M/F/Disabled/Veteran

Benefits

Your Health, Wealth and Self

Your total wellbeing is the foundation of our business, and our benefits support your financial, family and personal goals. We provide the top-tier benefits that matter to you most, including:

• Two medical plans (including a High Deductible Health Plan)
• Prescription drug coverage
• Enhanced Fertility benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account (including employer contribution)
• Dental and Vision
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid and floating holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off to volunteer in your community
• Charitable Giving Match Program
• 401(k) with 6% company matching
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Plus a broad range of career development, networking, and team-building opportunities

Dig in to our full list of benefits on OUR CULTURE page.

Why Do You Belong at C.H. Robinson?

Standing out among the world’s largest logistics platforms, C.H. Robinson solves logistics problems for companies across the globe and across industries, from the simple to the most complex. For 100+ years, our global suite of services has innovated trade to seamlessly deliver the products and goods that drive the world’s economy. With 20 million shipments annually for 100,000 customers, and millions of dollars contributed to support causes that matter to us, our people and technology literally move the world.

As a FORTUNE 200 company, FORTUNE has also named C.H. Robinson one of the World’s Most Admired Companies 2022. Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top Companies in Minneapolis-St. Paul 2021. And we’re not stopping there... Join us as we collaborate, innovate, and work as one global team to make life better and more sustainable for our customers, communities, and world.