Global Logistics & Trade Compliance Manager bei La Jolla Group

Company Introduction

The La Jolla Group is a worldwide leader in the action sports apparel business segment with a fast paced, high-energy environment that is continually on the move. With prominent brands such as O’Neill, PSD Underwear, Mountain Khakis, Sol Angeles, and Hang Ten, La Jolla Group has proved to be a builder of great brands, a creator of innovative products, and a master of operational excellence.

Our team enjoys flexibility with a hybrid schedule of in-office and remote work. We offer awesome discounts on our clothing brands, early release Fridays (2:00pm), occasional employer provided lunches, year-round fun events as well as a full benefits package!  We believe our employees are our strongest asset and invest in their growth by focusing on developing their strengths.

General Summary

The Global Logistics & Trade Compliance Manager will head the internal logistic team and lead the dynamic growth of our Logistics Platform. This highly collaborative role will nurture operational relationships with production department and distribution centers across the United States in coordination with our logistics & distribution partners, while assembling all necessary documents to support imports and ensure compliance with global trade requirements.

The selected candidate will provide regular reporting and status updates on logistical activities to senior leadership and key operational teams. This role will work closely with all supply chain teams, customer service, product development & finance teams to maintain visibility, accuracy, and integrity of KPI metrics.

Essential Job Functions

• Build strong stakeholder partnerships through demonstrating in-depth understanding of key business goals and strategies.
• Lead and maintain accountability for performance and effectiveness of inbound traffic, including timely closure of Purchase Orders.
• Enhance the logistics organization structure to meet evolving needs, including optimization of existing processes & SOPs.
• Manage carrier and freight forwarder negotiation, contracts, quality impact, service, and relationships. Objectively challenge current practices to stimulate alternative thinking.
• Own carrier relationship management for 3PLs, ports, and terminals.
• Lead integration of data into corporate ERP, Business Analytics Tools, and Distribution Center processes, for reliable and accurate reporting capabilities.
• Work with planning team to provide quarterly freight forecast analysis at product category level and allow accurate financial reporting.
• Implement potential duty cost savings, including but not limited to Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and Miscellaneous Tariff Bills (MTB).
• Ensure full compliance and timely resolution for the assignment of HTS / Schedule B classifications for all products.
• Monitor customs regulations application for United States inbound activities. Analyze, monitor, and communicate pertinent policy changes to stakeholders across the organization, including all relevant Domestic / International trade agreement & customs regulations that may impact business operations.
• Partner with trade compliance partners (i.e., customs brokers) to resolve shipment delays, initiate corrective action, and develop procedures to prevent a recurrence. Develop and manage best practices.
• Investigate trade risk events to include exposure analysis, risk remediation, and development of mitigation controls.
• Manage the Duty Drawback program, entry reconciliation, post-importation programs such as post summary corrections (PSC) protests and product destruction programs.
• Maintain record-keeping program as required by CBP & other regulatory agencies.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of customs entry filing process.
• Knowledge of U.S. trade laws for import (Customs and Border Protection).
• Experience with duty drawback program.
• Expertise in core global transportation modes: Air, Ocean (LCL/FCL).
• Organized, detail-oriented, accurate, thorough, and maintains accurate records.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of international trade regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR, OFAC, CTPAT, HS classification, Incoterms).
• Ability to develop and implement global trade compliance policies and procedures.
• Skilled in preparing, reviewing, and maintaining import/export documentation.
• Proficiency with trade compliance and logistics software systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret complex regulations and apply them to business operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and government agencies.
• Ability to conduct internal audits and ensure adherence to corporate compliance standards.
• Knowledge of free trade agreements (FTAs) and preferential duty programs.
• Capability to monitor, analyze, and optimize global transportation costs and performance.
• Strong negotiation skills with carriers, vendors, and third-party logistics providers.
• Ability to train and educate cross-functional teams on trade compliance requirements.
• Adept at managing risk, ensuring sanctions compliance, and mitigating potential supply chain disruptions.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global, cross-cultural environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills strongly preferred.

Required Education and Experience

• 8-10+ years direct experience with trade compliance, including country of origin & tariff classification determination, and customs assists reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of imports, exports, customs brokerage, WCO HTS classification, and US ECCN product classification.
• Apparel background is a plus.

This is a Hybrid position, requiring at least 2 days per week in our Irvine, CA office. 

Physical Requirements

Seeing: Must be able to see well enough to read reports.
Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with customers, vendors and employees.
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to stoop or kneel to pick up products.
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to type and use technical sources.

La Jolla Group provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification. Equal employment opportunity includes, but is not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, demotion, transfer, leaves of absence, and termination. La Jolla Group takes allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation seriously and will promptly investigate when such behavior is reported.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

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