Role Description
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Trade Compliance Specialist to serve as our lead subject matter expert for all Canadian compliance matters. Reporting directly to the Manager of Canadian Operations, this senior-level role will take full ownership of the adjustment process, manage all export declarations, and act as the primary consultant for client compliance inquiries. Beyond day-to-day execution, this role serves as an educator, mentor, and strategic advisor to both our internal teams and external partners. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who can operate independently, mitigate regulatory risks, and provide strategic guidance to both our operations team and our clients.
Key Responsibilities
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Ownership of CAD Adjustments & Corrections
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Total Process Ownership:
Manage the end-to-end adjustment process under CARM, including all Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD) adjustments, mass adjustments, and voluntary disclosures.
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Root Cause Analysis:
Identify trends in entry errors, implement corrective actions, and provide training to internal teams to reduce future discrepancies.
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Regulatory Filing:
Ensure all CAD corrections and adjustments are filed accurately and within strict CBSA timeframes (both pre- and post-payment due dates).
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Client Consulting, Education & Engagements
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Subject Matter Expert (SME):
Serve as the senior compliance lead and primary point of contact for complex client consulting inquiries.
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Specialized Presentations:
Lead client engagements and deliver presentations on specialized compliance topics (e.g., tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, and CARM readiness).
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Content Contribution:
Contribute to the development of Canadian compliance educational content, including hosting or co-hosting future client-facing webinars and writing regulatory updates.
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Audit Management:
Represent the company and assist clients during CBSA compliance verifications and audits.
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Export Declarations & Controls
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Export Management:
Oversee and manage Canadian export declarations, ensuring accurate and timely submissions via the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).
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Permit & License Control:
Navigate and advise on the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA), managing required permits through Global Affairs Canada and other Participating Government Agencies (PGAs).
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Regulatory Administration & Operations Leadership
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CARM Portal Leadership:
Lead internal and client-facing initiatives related to the CARM Client Portal (CCP) management and delegated authority workflows.
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Process Optimization:
Continuously evaluate and improve internal compliance workflows.
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Mentorship & Leadership:
Provide expert guidance, mentorship, and support to junior team members and operations staff as the senior compliance authority.
Qualifications
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Professional Designation:
A valid Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) / Qualified Person designation is required. A Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS) designation is highly desired; if not currently obtained, the successful candidate will be expected to work toward and complete this certification.
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Experience:
Minimum 7β10 years of progressive experience in Canadian customs brokerage and trade compliance.
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Technical Expertise:
Deep, authoritative knowledge of the Customs Act, Customs Tariff, SIMA, and OGD/PGA requirements.
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Adjustment Mastery:
Extensive hands-on experience independently managing CAD adjustments (formerly B2s) and CBSA compliance verifications within the CARM environment.
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Communication Skills:
Exceptional presentation and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to deliver webinars and translate complex regulatory jargon into actionable business advice.
Compensation
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Salary Band:
$90,000 β $100,000 CAD (commensurate with experience and qualifications)