Customs & Compliance Specialist

 The Opportunity:

The Customs and Compliance Specialist is responsible for the duties and responsibilities associated with Customs Clearance and Customs Brokerage. Including receiving information from and assisting Internal Plants and Vendors, completion of customs documentation, processing of import documentation acting as a regular liaison with our 3PL customs brokers and internal business units. This position will assist in ensuring that all entries are released, classified, and billed accurately within service standards. This role supports our Maintenance, Sales and Marketing teams as well as assisting with Quality Assurance initiatives as they relate to importing and exporting Food Commodities.  

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by September 28. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy:  Existing Headcount
Base Salary:   $71,000 - $103,000 CAD base pay annually

The above base salary reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. The base salary offered may vary based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, education, training, job- related knowledge, and other organizational requirements. For part-time roles, salaries are adjusted according to scheduled hours.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Ability to handle large volumes of work and meet tight border crossing deadlines, Clearance guidance with our broker, approval of supporting Tariff Classification for confirming entries.
• Guiding, assisting, and preparing Import / Export documentation for non-standard international shipments (equipment, samples via Air, Air courier and Ocean)
• Working Knowledge of Cheese Quota Programs / IREP Duty Deferral Program / Poultry Quota, prepare export entry copies and data for the team to report monthly.
• Support the Coordination of R&D samples for both import / export for USDA/FDA/CFIA compliance.
• Support the Customs Manual relating to CT-PAT compliance and our Membership in CT-PAT.
• Support the corporation with guidance on all facets of imports and exports, Machinery, Parts, Ingredients and Finished goods CFIA, USDA and FDA.
• Maintain US Export Broker Data based in ESP Online, add new Customers and New products.
• Support and process CARM Payments.
• Research, Read and Share internally any USDA / FSIS and CFIA guidance on border changes.
• Coordinate and reconcile summary billing for both US and Canada duties and taxes (3 Brokers).
• Attend online meetings as required to support new company initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement projects related to Customs & Compliance.
• Ownership and maintenance HS Codes and FDA Product Codes for new US export products in SAP
• Provide data and subject-matter input to support business planning and budgeting activities.

What You’ll Bring:

• Post Secondary School Certification; a CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) designation or an equivalent customs qualification is required.
• Minimum five years of progressive customs and trade compliance experience across multiple transportation modes.
• Working knowledge of Canadian and U.S. customs laws, regulations, and documentation requirements related to the import and export of food products, machinery, equipment, and parts.
• Strong knowledge of tariff classification, Harmonized System codes, customs valuation, country of origin, duties, taxes, and import/export documentation.
• Experience working with customs brokers, government agencies, vendors, and internal business partners to resolve customs clearance and compliance matters.
• Ability to independently manage a high volume of transactions, competing priorities, and time-sensitive border-crossing deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and quantitative skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with SAP, CARM, broker platforms, or other customs and trade compliance systems is an asset.
• A diverse perspective that complements the skills, strengths, and opportunities of the team.
• Alignment with Maple Leaf Foods’ Leadership Values.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best. 
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.

About Us:

We’re a carbon neutral food company on a purposeful journey to Raise the Good in Food through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and environmental sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We care about our communities and commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada. Join us on the journey. Let’s build a better future, together.

We’re passionate about food. For more than 100 years, we’ve made delicious, healthy protein that Canadians love under iconic national and regional brands, like Maple Leaf®, Schneiders®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co.® We’re on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company – not just in Canada – but on earth.

• We are carbon neutral.
• We are one of the only food companies in Canada to set science-based targets.

We’re a global food company with approximately 10,000 team members. We operate sites in 20+ locations across Canada. We also have locations in the U.S. and Mexico, and do business in Asia.

A diverse and inclusive work environment

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision and living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values. We believe in building, investing in, recognizing, and rewarding remarkable people who value an inclusive workplace, embrace all forms of diversity, and commit to including every voice in our collaborative environment. We’re so much stronger when we know we’re accepted and valued for who we are and what we each bring to the workplace.

We embrace a strong, values-based culture

Our eight Leadership Values are our north star. They guide the decisions we make for all our stakeholders: our consumers, our customers, our people, our communities, our shareholders, and the environment.

• Doing What’s Right
• Shared Value
• High Performance
• Diverse and Inclusive Teams
• Disciplined Decision Making
• Our Accountability
• Intense Curiosity
• Transparency and Humility

We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Maple Leaf Foods; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet the security criteria designated for the position.

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision, living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values, and delivering winning results. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired; please contact our Talent Attraction Team at accommodations@mapleleaf.com.

Disclaimer:  Please note that salaries posted on sites other than the MLF Careers Page are not a reflection of Maple Leaf Foods and are an estimated salary range provided by that particular job board.  Maple Leaf Foods offers competitive wages and an attractive total rewards package, which will be discussed during an interview with our Talent Team.

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