Customs Compliance Specialist (18-24 month contract)

This Posting is for an existing vacancy.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We create solutions for the people who keep our world flowing.
For over 80 years, John Brooks Company has been solving fluid handling challenges for customers across Canada by providing a diverse selection of engineered products and innovative system designs—focusing on customized filtration, pump, spray, and valve solutions.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a contract Customs Compliance Specialist to cover a maternity leave. This role is responsible for managing customs compliance, import/export documentation, and supporting general traffic/logistics activities.

The successful candidate will oversee tariff classification, country-of-origin reviews, post-entry compliance activities, cross-border documentation, and coordination with customs brokers. They will also support traffic operations including shipments, logistics communication, tracking, inventory returns, and related administrative tasks.

This position requires strong attention to detail, regulatory awareness, and excellent coordination skills to ensure smooth, compliant, and timely movement of goods.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Customs Responsibilities

• Conduct tariff classification and country-of-origin reviews for incoming and outgoing products.
• Ensure all required CUSMA/USMCA certificates are on file, request missing certificates from suppliers, and submit them to customs brokers.
• Determine duty impacts due to new tariffs and collaborate with relevant departments to validate accuracy based on material and end use.
• Create and maintain detailed lists of all John Brooks items for incoming goods and determine foreign tariff codes for outgoing goods.
• Prepare and review customs documents for exports, ensuring all required paperwork is complete and compliant.
• Provide duty impact information to Sales for billing and work with Finance to ensure duties appear correctly on customer invoices.
• Review and confirm invoices payable to brokers based on export documents.
• Verify GST payable within the CARM portal and conduct spot checks on entries.
• Cross‑reference and review over 5,000 import entries annually to determine applied duties and ensure proper classification and compliance.
• Collaborate with Canadian and U.S. customs brokers to resolve discrepancies and maintain compliance.

Customs Compliance Oversight & Post‑Entry Management

• Review and verify import and export entry summaries prepared by customs brokers to ensure compliance with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.
• Ensure accuracy of tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, duty rates, and supporting trade documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with customs brokers, proactively identifying discrepancies and coordinating timely corrections to minimize compliance risk and potential penalties.
• Prepare, submit, and track post‑entry corrections, adjustments, and refund applications in collaboration with brokers through the ACE (U.S.) and CARM (Canada) portals.
• Monitor the status of amendments and refunds, resolve customs or broker inquiries, and ensure successful recovery of duties, taxes, and fees where applicable.
• Maintain comprehensive compliance records and audit documentation to support internal reviews, customs audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current on changes to customs regulations and trade compliance requirements, ensuring internal processes align with evolving CBSA and CBP standards.

Inventory Returns & Special Trade Requirements

• Manage inventory returns, including validating all details required for export documentation (duties, classifications, valuation, and supplier provided certificates).
• Prepare Steel and Aluminum Import Monitoring worksheets for U.S. Customs for applicable inventory returns.
• Ensure supplier-provided documentation aligns with U.S. Customs requirements for steel and aluminum products.
• Apply knowledge of Foreign Shipper’s Declaration and Importer’s Declaration requirements when preparing export packages for returns or cross border shipments.

Traffic & Logistics Generalist Responsibilities

• Support daily traffic operations including shipment coordination, tracking, scheduling, and carrier communication.
• Assist with freight quotes, logistics planning, and identifying cost‑efficient shipping options.
• Prepare and maintain shipping documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading).
• Coordinate direct shipments with suppliers, carriers, and internal teams.
• Maintain accurate system records to ensure timely and efficient order fulfillment.
• Provide administrative support within the Traffic department.
• Liaise with internal departments—including Sales, Finance, Operations, and Product Management—on shipment needs, timelines, and documentation.

Requirements

Essential

• 5+ years of experience in customs coordination, customs compliance, and tariff classification.
• Strong US Export knowledge of customs regulations, duties, and a strong understanding of US tariff classification.
• Experience working in the current environment with customs brokers and regulatory agencies.
• Understanding of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) ACE is the United States’ centralized digital system for processing imports and exports. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agencies require importers and exporters to use ACE to submit detailed shipment information, enabling CBP to collect tariff revenue, control imports, and enforce regulations. ACE functions as the U.S. Single Window, providing one centralized access point connecting CBP, PGAs, and the trade community.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and ability to manage large datasets.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills in a fast‑paced environment.

Desirable

• CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) or other customs/trade compliance certification.
• Knowledge of CARM and international trade agreements (CUSMA/USMCA, etc.).
• Experience in the machinery or industrial products industry.
• Experience with logistics, transportation coordination, or general traffic functions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast‑paced environment in a dynamic and evolving industry.
• Frequent interaction with internal teams, customers, and external customs brokers.
• Exposure to multiple demands, deadlines, and high-priority tasks.

Benefits

Canadian founded and owned, John Brooks Company has doubled in size in the last 7 years to over 200 employees across the country. Since 1938, we have worked hard to build & nurture an entrepreneurial environment, where creative thought and initiative are encouraged; this is a place where your ideas matter! If you have a strong work-ethic, passion, and determination, we’ll provide the tools you need for success. We will help you grow so that we can continue growing.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Competitive remuneration ($72,000 - CA$82,000 per year)
• Competitive vacation
• Paid personal day program
• Generous benefits package that includes coverage for things like medical, dental, paramedical, and vision
• Company Group RRSP with employer matching
• Annual health & wellness subsidy

FUN FACTS

• The average employee tenure is 9 years.
• We celebrate achievements with service awards, employee recognition, and milestone birthdays.
• We regularly host social events and gatherings to foster teamwork and fun.

We use automated tools, including artificial intelligence, to help review applications efficiently. Human decision makers remain responsible for all hiring decisions.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment process, at the candidate’s request.