Import Operations Manager

Applied Material's is currently seeking an Import Operations Manager located in Austin, Texas. This position is part of our Legal and Compliance Organization.

As an Import Operations Manager, you will be a part of Applied's Global Trade Operations team with the key responsibility to ensure Applied's US business operations are conducted in compliance with customs regulations and import control laws in the most efficient and effective way possible. You will manage and actively participate in the execution of import operations and the development of process improvements aimed to achieve operational excellence.

The Import Operations Manager works collaboratively with all lines of business, purchasing, logistics, service providers, suppliers, customs brokers, and government agencies to ensure compliance for the Company's import operations. As such, the Import Ops Manager must have working knowledge of U.S. import laws and regulations.

• Manage import team and daily import operations.
• Ensure import activities comply with government laws and regulations. The laws and regulations include but are not limited to: Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and any other Participating Government Agencies.
• Interact regularly with and provide operational support and guidance including import clearance compliance matters to internal stakeholders.
• Define, enable, and operate processes and systems related to customs control.
• Establish and maintain operational compliance procedures and customs manual to ensure full compliance of the regulations.
• Develop trade operations best practices and educate internal stakeholders.
• Perform internal self-assessments to ensure trade compliance activities are executed properly.
• Develop processes, controls, record keeping and audit preparation regarding import entry declarations.
• Monitor compliance and performance of external service providers and participate in service review meetings and evaluate quality levels.
• Work with customs broker to assist in import clearance issues, identify and review for possible post-entry amendments, and fulfill PGA licensing requirements per policies and procedures.
• Identify process gaps/inefficiencies/improvements and implement solutions as aligned with management.
• Apply quality principles to identify process improvement opportunities, determine available options, implementation strategies and make recommendations to management.
• Resolve import shipment issues working with internal and third parties such as freight forwarders, customs brokers and government agencies and possess the ability to determine when to escalate to management for resolution.
• Manage oversight of annual submission to CBP for CTPAT Trade Compliance (ISA) and Reconciliation as well as drive improvement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate import records and prepare reports for senior management on compliance metrics and improvements.
• Stay up to date with import regulations and ensure compliance with customs and trade laws.

• Strong leadership skills

• Thorough working knowledge of and experience with U.S. and Canadian laws and regulations and practical application in import compliance processes, procedures, and policies.
• Ability to communicate with professionals and people of all levels of the organization and to operate effectively within a team environment. Experience implementing and conducting training programs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify patterns and trends.
• Proficient in excel, data analytics and visualization.
• Well-developed organizational, priority management and planning skills.
• Working knowledge of integrated logistics management.
• Excellent communication and effective interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated customer focus with the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Keen attention to details and accurate in execution of any task.
• Ability to work autonomously, with minimal direction, self-motivated and results driven.
• Ability to work well in multidisciplinary teams and international environment.
• Exhibits a high level of integrity and discretion.
• At least 5+ years of experience in related field.
• At least 3-5 years experience in developing and managing high performance teams
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Customs Broker License required.
• Brokerage experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian import regulations, HTS classification, and customs documentation.
• Preferred experience in highly regulated, high-tech or semiconductor industry.
• Professional Certificates, Lean Six Sigma and Training a plus.