POSITION SUMMARY
The International Trade Compliance Sr Mngmnt will be responsible for overseeing, managing, and ensuring absolute legal and regulatory compliance of all import and export operations under the IMMEX program, VAT Certification, and security program such C-TPAT and AEO. This role acts as the primary guardian against customs liabilities, ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining strict adherence to Mexican Customs Law, General Customs Rules (RGCE), US Customs regulations, and international free trade agreements. The primary objective is to ensure business continuity by mitigating legal and fiscal risks under the IMMEX program and certifications. This role acts as a critical liaison between local operations in Tijuana, global corporate headquarters, and Mexican Customs authorities, optimizing duties and taxes while balancing strict compliance with logistics efficiency.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversees the inventory control system ( Annex 24 and Annex 30 ) to ensure strict reconciliation of temporary imports, open balances, and discharges.
- Monitor and maintain the VAT/IEPS Certification (Certificación de IVA e IEPS) , ensuring all reporting to the SAT is flawless to prevent any suspension or tax credits.
- Manage waste disposal procedures ( desperdicios ), scrap transfers, and sub-manufacturing operations ( submaquila ).
- Oversee daily import/export operations, ensuring correct tariff classification (HJS), valuation, country of origin determination, and compliance with Non-Tariff Barriers (RRNAs/Permits).
- Manage relationships and compliance audits for Customs Brokers MX/US side (Agentes Aduanales), freight forwarders, and logistics vendors.
- Coordinate and validate intercompany transfers and virtual operations (Pedimentos clave V1), ensuring complete legal documentation (expediente digital Art. 146).
- Address and resolve complex compliance discrepancies with vendors operating under different legal schemes (e.g., Shelter operations, Maquiladora parent companies, or domestic suppliers).
- Conduct internal audits of customs files (pedimentos, digital files, bills of materials) to identify and rectify compliance gaps before government intervention.
- Serve as the main point of contact for external audits, official inquiries, or inspections by Mexican authorities (SAT, AGA, PROFECO) and US Customs (CBP).
- Maintain and improve security program certifications such as C-TPAT and OEA (Authorized Economic Operator).
- Identify opportunities for duty savings using PROSEC programs, Rule 8th (Regla 8va), and tariff preferences under the USMCA (T-MEC) and other free trade agreements.
- Design, update, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the international trade department.
Provide training and regulatory updates to internal teams (Purchasing, Logistics, Warehouse, and Finance).
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QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in International Trade, Customs Administration, International Business, Law, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years in a Trade Compliance leadership or managerial role within an industrial manufacturing IMMEX environment.
- Deep knowledge of Mexican Customs Law ( Ley Aduanera ), Fiscal Code, General Customs Rules (RGCE), and US Customs regulations.
- Proven hands-on experience managing Annex 24/30 software systems.
MS Excel Advanced
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SKILLS AND LANGUAGES
- Fluent Professional English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Ability to negotiate and communicate technical terms with foreign corporate headquarters and local authorities.
- Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in ERP software (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and specialized Customs Systems, such Livingston Vastera, Global Trade PRISMA.
Soft Skills: Strong leadership, analytical thinking, conflict resolution, sharp attention to detail, and a high level of professional ethics.
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PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
- The role is primarily based on a manufacturing facility, requiring regular site visits and interaction with production teams.
- Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to safety protocols.
- The role involves extended periods of sitting in front of a computer.
- Occasional standing or walking may be required during meetings, presentations, or site visits.
Work is primarily conducted in an office environment with controlled temperature and lighting.
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TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED
- Yes
- VISA for the USA is required.
The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.
OUR CORE PRINCIPALS: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
- Customer Focus
- Operational Excellence
- High-Performance Culture
- Innovation
- Financial Strength
OUR BEHAVIORS
- Own It
- Act With Urgency
- Foster a Customer-First Mindset
- Think Big and Execute
- Lead by Example
- Drive Continuous Improvement
- Learn and Seek Out Development
At Vertiv, we offer the stability of a global leader in a growing industry and the opportunity of a startup. We design, manufacture and service the mission-critical infrastructure technologies for vital applications in data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. With $5 billion in sales, a strong customer base and global reach in nearly 70 countries, our move to establish a standalone business enables us to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people.
Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [email protected] . If you are interested in applying for or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers
