The Lead Customs Specialist supports customs operations execution across the Americas, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely import, export, and in bond activities within a highly regulated medical device supply chain. This role is a senior individual contributor, applying experience and judgment to resolve complex customs issues, support broker interactions, and ensure high quality customs data and documentation.
The Lead Customs Specialist works closely with Logistics, Trade Compliance, Finance, and external customs brokers to support on time delivery, cost control, and regulatory compliance. The role is responsible for execution and problem resolution within assigned scope. Trade Compliance retains accountability for policy interpretation, regulatory strategy, and engagement with authorities.
Customs Operations Execution
- Execute and support import, export, and in bond customs activities across the Americas.
- Prepare, review, and validate customs documentation and data to support accurate and timely clearance.
- Monitor shipments for customs exceptions, holds, or inspections and take action to support resolution.
- Support multi leg parcel shipments and coordination with carriers and customs brokers.
- Apply sound judgment to resolve complex or ambiguous customs issues within established procedures.
Broker & Partner Support
- Work directly with customs brokers to ensure accurate filings and adherence to established procedures.
- Identify filing errors, data quality issues, and recurring trends; support corrective actions.
- Escalate recurring issues, systemic risks, or potential compliance concerns to the Sr. Manager, Logistics Americas.
- Support broker performance improvement initiatives led by management.
Compliance & Regulatory Execution
- Execute customs activities in compliance with customs, tax, and trade regulations.
- Apply established operational controls for classification, valuation, country of origin, and record retention.
- Support internal and external audits, post entry reviews, and customs inquiries.
- Follow sanctions screening, licensing, and regulatory requirements as directed by Trade Compliance.
Data, Systems & Documentation
- Use SAP / S/4HANA, customs broker platforms, and carrier systems to support customs execution.
- Maintain accurate customs data, documentation, and records in accordance with policy and audit requirements.
- Support testing and validation of system or process changes impacting customs filings or documentation.
- Use reports and data to identify discrepancies, trends, and improvement opportunities.
Cost & Duty Support
- Support monitoring of duty, tax, and brokerage costs; assist with variance analysis.
- Assist with FTA / USMCA documentation and preferential duty utilization where applicable.
- Help prevent rework, post entry corrections, penalties, and double duty exposure through accurate execution.
Continuous Improvement & Digital Enablement
- Identify opportunities to improve customs processes, accuracy, and cycle times.
- Apply structured problem solving to resolve recurring customs issues.
- Demonstrate curiosity and openness to AI and digital tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and data quality (e.g., reducing manual reviews, identifying error patterns).
- Share improvement ideas and best practices with the broader logistics and trade team.
The Lead Customs Specialist supports customs operations execution across the Americas, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely import, export, and in bond activities within a highly regulated medical device supply chain. This role is a senior individual contributor, applying experience and judgment to resolve complex customs issues, support broker interactions, and ensure high quality customs data and documentation.
The Lead Customs Specialist works closely with Logistics, Trade Compliance, Finance, and external customs brokers to support on time delivery, cost control, and regulatory compliance. The role is responsible for execution and problem resolution within assigned scope. Trade Compliance retains accountability for policy interpretation, regulatory strategy, and engagement with authorities.
Customs Operations Execution
- Execute and support import, export, and in bond customs activities across the Americas.
- Prepare, review, and validate customs documentation and data to support accurate and timely clearance.
- Monitor shipments for customs exceptions, holds, or inspections and take action to support resolution.
- Support multi leg parcel shipments and coordination with carriers and customs brokers.
- Apply sound judgment to resolve complex or ambiguous customs issues within established procedures.
Broker & Partner Support
- Work directly with customs brokers to ensure accurate filings and adherence to established procedures.
- Identify filing errors, data quality issues, and recurring trends; support corrective actions.
- Escalate recurring issues, systemic risks, or potential compliance concerns to the Sr. Manager, Logistics Americas.
- Support broker performance improvement initiatives led by management.
Compliance & Regulatory Execution
- Execute customs activities in compliance with customs, tax, and trade regulations.
- Apply established operational controls for classification, valuation, country of origin, and record retention.
- Support internal and external audits, post entry reviews, and customs inquiries.
- Follow sanctions screening, licensing, and regulatory requirements as directed by Trade Compliance.
Data, Systems & Documentation
- Use SAP / S/4HANA, customs broker platforms, and carrier systems to support customs execution.
- Maintain accurate customs data, documentation, and records in accordance with policy and audit requirements.
- Support testing and validation of system or process changes impacting customs filings or documentation.
- Use reports and data to identify discrepancies, trends, and improvement opportunities.
Cost & Duty Support
- Support monitoring of duty, tax, and brokerage costs; assist with variance analysis.
- Assist with FTA / USMCA documentation and preferential duty utilization where applicable.
- Help prevent rework, post entry corrections, penalties, and double duty exposure through accurate execution.
Continuous Improvement & Digital Enablement
- Identify opportunities to improve customs processes, accuracy, and cycle times.
- Apply structured problem solving to resolve recurring customs issues.
- Demonstrate curiosity and openness to AI and digital tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and data quality (e.g., reducing manual reviews, identifying error patterns).
- Share improvement ideas and best practices with the broader logistics and trade team.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field.
Experience
- Typically, 7+ years of hands on customs operations experience with demonstrated ability to resolve complex, ambiguous customs issues independently.
- Experience working with customs brokers, carriers, and cross functional partners.
- Experience in regulated industries (medical devices, manufacturing, pharma) preferred.
Systems & Tools
- Working knowledge of SAP / S/4HANA and customs broker platforms.
- Strong Excel, data review, and documentation skills.
Languages
- Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages a plus.
Your growth and well-being:
At Align, every smile matters. We’re committed to helping you thrive by supporting the health, growth, and well-being of our team members through a variety of tools and programs. While specific offerings may vary by location and role, Align employees can typically expect:
- Health and well-being programs to keep you thriving in both body and mind.
- Employee-exclusive discounts on Invisalign products.
- Learning opportunities through online learning resources and support for your individual development plans.
- Inclusive, global workplace that fosters collaboration, recognition and belonging.
Country and/or role specific details will be shared with you by your recruiter during the interview process.
Discover Align:
We are a global community of game-changers and smart team players, united by our belief in the power of a smile. Our dynamic team of exceptional employees is dedicated to transforming the industry and creating extraordinary outcomes every day.
Align’s core values of agility, customer, and accountability are more than words to work by, they are words we live by. The actions we take every day speak to who we are as a company and our focus on being truly impactful. We celebrate our differences, and the many ways we support one another— ultimately creating a more inclusive organization and world as we continue transforming smiles and changing lives.
We foster a culture where thinking differently and seeking new experiences are not just encouraged but celebrated. With the Align Mindset, we empower each other, ensuring every voice is heard and valued in an inclusive environment that inspires creativity and collaboration.
At Align, we believe in the power of a smile, and we know that every smile is as unique as our employees. As we grow, we are committed to building a workforce rich in diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, fostering a culture of open-mindedness and compassion. We live our company values by promoting healthy people and healthy communities, all with the intent of changing millions of lives, one unique smile at a time.
As part of our commitment to innovation, Align Technology includes exocad and Cubicure, companies that enhance our offerings and extend our impact to industry transformation.
Eager to learn how we embrace our global differences and nurture employee well-being?
Explore Align's culture here!
Want to discover more about exocad and Cubicure? Click on their names for additional information.
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Equal Opportunity Statement:
Align Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all our practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected category. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are applying, and employment eligibility will be verified as a condition of hire.
