Trade Operations Lead

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New Jersey, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Provide operational leadership and tactical supervision of maquila activities along the Southern border and oversee U.S. import/export operations.

• Act as the principal operational liaison for U.S. Customs (CBP), FDA when applicable, customs brokers, carriers, 3PLs, surety providers, maquila partners, and governmental agencies.

• Ensure adherence to compliance and maintain the integrity of Importer of Record and Exporter of Record responsibilities across the United States.

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) to prevent bond claims, penalties, and supply chain interruptions.

• Address RFIs, audits, and inquiries from U.S. Customs, FDA, and other governmental bodies; coordinate evidence gathering and follow through to resolution.

• Track compliance KPIs, identify duty optimization opportunities, and explore drawback, FTZ, and bonded solutions, as well as cost-saving measures.

• Lead the development of SOPs, controls, and process enhancements for cross-border trade, TIB management, and maquila operations.

• Serve as the trade compliance subject matter expert for cross-functional and Operating Company projects, providing analysis, implementation support, and risk assessments.

• Utilize trade software to reconcile, audit, and verify the end-to-end transactions involving Maquila, Mexico Inbound, IMMEX, Pedimentos, Mexican exports, and U.S. imports.

• Cultivate relationships with stakeholders in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Tax, and Finance.

• Ensure readiness for audits related to customs, trade, and regulatory inspections.

• Develop and monitor duty-saving initiatives, including drawback, preferential origin claims, and FTZ strategies.

• Collaborate with J&J Deliver Quality and other departments to ensure compliance with corporate frameworks and guidelines.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business, Law, or a related field (or equivalent experience) is required.

• Proficiency in both Spanish and English is required.

• Preference for candidates holding a Licensed Customs Broker and/or Certified Customs Specialist designation.

• 6–10 years of relevant experience in customs, trade compliance, or cross-border operations; specific experience with maquiladora/IMMEX or equivalent programs is highly preferred.

• Practical experience acting as or closely supporting Importer of Record and Exporter of Record responsibilities for U.S. imports and exports.

• Direct experience in managing Maquila and/or Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) processes and their lifecycle is preferred.

• Familiarity with SAP GTS, customs entry software, and EDI/ACE integrations.

• Prior experience in supporting FDA-regulated product imports/exports or working with regulated supply chains.

• Knowledge of duty mitigation programs (FTZ, drawback) and preferential origin documentation.

• Demonstrated experience working directly with U.S. Customs (CBP) and managing relationships with customs brokers/forwarders.

• Strong understanding of HTS classification, valuation, country-of-origin rules, duty regimes, USMCA, ACE/AES filing processes, and interactions with brokers.

• Proven ability to tackle complex operational challenges, lead cross-functional initiatives, and influence stakeholders without direct authority.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with regulators, vendors, and senior management.

🏝️ Benefits

• Consolidated retirement plan (pension).

• Savings plan (401(k)).

• Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year.

• Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; 48 hours per calendar year for employees residing in Colorado; 56 hours per calendar year for employees residing in Washington.

• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year.

• Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year.

• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child.

• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member; 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year.

• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period.

• Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year.

• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year.

• Inclusive interview-process accommodations for applicants with disabilities.