International Trade Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL

Description

Ball Horticultural Company is a leading breeder and distributor of flowers and vegetables around the globe.  Located in the suburb of West Chicago (near Naperville and Geneva), our 60-acre property boasts 10 acres of display gardens.  The gardens are primarily used as a sales and marketing tool but also provide a great relaxation opportunity for staff at the home office.  Perennials, annuals, vegetables, roses, and shrubs are blooming from May through September.  

The Trade Compliance Specialist will be responsible for developing, executing, and managing the import and export trade compliance program at Ball Horticultural Company. High emphasis on live, perishable shipments coming from international production facilities to North America for multimodal delivery. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving import/export license or permit applications, advising cross-functional partners about trade compliance matters, and interacting with USDA/APHIS and customs officials in regarding clearances, inspections and holds. 

Job Responsibilities and Duties 

· Ensures that the company is compliant with domestic and foreign import and export requirements to maintain the company is ability to import products into the USA with adherence to laws. 

· Monitors weekly movement of live perishables from offshore facilities and provide expert knowledge and assistance to airport partners/vendors during customs and USDA/APHIS inspections. This ensures fluid movement of shipments without delays that could jeopardize the quality of the live perishable contents. 

· Oversees and provides guidance to the operations teams in the day-to-day compliance matters which are not limited to but include correct documentation guidance, USDA Hold intervention and communication, HTS classification, custom broker management, and export compliance matters. Sharing knowledge of best practices and optimal processes aids in maintaining fluid movement of import/export shipments. 

· Ensures legal compliance with trade laws and regulations, including appropriate licensing for shipments to maintain Import Permits required for import of live perishables to USA and Canada. 

· Serve as the resident expert on U.S. and other international import/export requirements to aid in resolving problems that may arise, helping internal teams to be more self-sufficient and accurate with their work. 

· Review, respond to, and escalate as necessary all government inquiries related to trade compliance.

· Work with global team members on compliance review of new product offerings and new market introductions.  

· Interface with government agencies on new preferential trade program initiatives and facility certifications.

Requirements

· Minimum of 5 years of import/export administration experience required. 

· Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required. 

· Customs Broker License is a plus. 

· Must have extensive knowledge of U.S. import and export control laws and regulations. 

· High accuracy and attention to detail needed. 

· Ability to interact with cross-functional teams to resolve importation issues (USDA/APHIS, import agents, customers, sales, internal stakeholders).

· Familiarity with USDA/APHIS process for importation of live perishables is preferred. 

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively to set and accomplish strategic goals, communicating effectively verbally and in writing. 

· Strong software and system skills – SAP, Microsoft Suite.

· Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. 

· Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. 

· Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people. 

· Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. 

· Approximately 5% travel both domestic and international is required. 

Physical Requirements

· Ability to sit/stand 100% of the day 

· Ability to use hands/fingers 100% of the day

Our promise to you: 

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. 

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes: 

· Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance

· 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan

· Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays

· Tuition assistance

· Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs

· An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas