Global Trade Compliance Manager

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry, celebrating 40 years in 2025! We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for a Global Trade Compliance Manager!

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Champaign, IL location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Typical pay for this position is $95,000-$105,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a bonus not included in the base pay range.

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Global Trade Compliance Manager to lead and oversee our global trade compliance program in the fast-paced consumer goods industry. This role is critical to ensure that the international movement of our products complies with all applicable import/export laws, regulations, and internal policies. This individual will work cross-functionally across supply chain, logistics, legal, sourcing, and product teams to manage trade compliance risks, optimize customs processes, and support global market expansion. A key focus of this role will be managing and optimizing Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Trade Compliance Strategy & Program Management

• Lead the global trade compliance program, ensuring compliance with U.S. and international trade laws, including customs, sanctions, and export controls.
• Develop and maintain internal compliance policies, SOPs, and control frameworks tailored to Horizon Hobby consumer goods.

Import/Export & FTZ Operations

• Oversee global import/export operations including product classification (HTS, ECCN), country of origin, and documentation requirements.
• Manage and optimize Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations, including activation, daily compliance, inventory control, and annual reporting.
• Collaborate with Distribution Center and Inventory teams to ensure accurate FTZ recordkeeping and compliance with CBP regulations (19 CFR Part 146).
• Evaluate and implement FTZ benefits such as duty deferral, inverted tariff relief, and reduction in Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF).
• Monitor and manage customs broker and freight forwarder performance to ensure adherence to compliance standards.

Regulatory Compliance & Government Engagement

• Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. import/export regulations (CBP, BIS, OFAC) and international trade requirements.
• Ensure tariff outlay accuracy for all entries (IEEPA/Fentanyl, Section 122, Section 301, Section 232, Standard Duty) and maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Manage audits, inquiries, and investigations by government agencies and prepare voluntary disclosures when necessary.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise on their impact to the business and compliance posture.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sourcing, Merchandising, Logistics, Legal, Product Development, and IT to ensure products move compliantly across borders and through FTZs.
• Provide trade compliance guidance on product launches, packaging updates, and global distribution strategies.

Training, Education & Culture

• Lead the development and delivery of training programs on trade compliance, FTZ processes, and regulatory responsibilities.
• Foster a culture of compliance awareness across the organization and among supply chain partners.

Technology & Optimization

• Utilize and maintain trade compliance and FTZ systems (e.g., Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP & WMS, Precision FTZ) to automate and monitor trade activities.
• Drive process improvements to reduce landed costs, enhance customs clearance timelines, and ensure audit readiness.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of experience in global trade compliance, with specific hands-on experience managing Foreign Trade Zone operations.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. and international import/export regulations (e.g., CBP, EAR, OFAC), especially as they apply to consumer goods.
• Proven ability to lead trade compliance programs in a high-volume, global retail or consumer goods environment.
• Strong project management, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Certifications such as CCS, CES, CUSECO, or FTZ administrator certification are highly desirable.

Skills:

• Experience implementing or managing FTZ inventory control systems (ICSS) and zone operations.
• Knowledge of bonded warehouse programs, duty drawback, and other customs cost-saving strategies.
• Ability to manage customs brokers, third-party logistics providers, and FTZ consultants effectively.
• Advanced Excel or data analysis skills for trade data audits and FTZ tracking.

Physical Requirements 

• 10–20% travel required based on business needs.
• Occasional lifting of office supplies and materials, up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Benefits & Other Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision 
• HSA and FSA options 
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance 
• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance 
• 401(k) with a company match 
• Paid Time Off 
• Paid Holidays 
• Internal Rewards 
• Discounts on Products 
• Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time.  In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer