Trade Compliance Specialist

Trade Compliance Specialist

Phoenix, AZ/San Bernardino, CA

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world famous brand with offices across the globe. Within Fender Musical Instruments Corporation's Global Transportation & Trade Compliance team, we focus on network optimization, global product movement, import/export execution, and the ability to ship from anywhere to anywhere. Trade Compliance is a fundamental and critical part of that seamless execution, encompassing FTZ operations, regulatory compliance, Free Trade Agreements, and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs).

An American icon, Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence extending beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument, it's a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

We are searching for a Trade Compliance Specialist to serve as the primary liaison between our Global Trade Compliance, Product Development, and Supply Logistics teams. This role is critical in ensuring our innovative musical instruments and products are designed with trade compliance considerations from concept through launch optimizing duty impacts, ensuring seamless importation and exportation into global markets, and ultimately getting products into musicians' hands around the world. This is a hybrid role that may be based out of either Phoenix, AZ or San Bernardino, CA.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee daily U.S. import customs clearance activities, ensuring full compliance with CBP and applicable government agency regulations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external customs brokers and freight forwarders; manage performance, address issues, and ensure timely and accurate customs processing
• Administer and maintain Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations, ensuring adherence to compliance requirements including inventory control, record keeping, and reporting
• Prepare and maintain accurate import documentation, including HTS classifications, country of origin determinations, product valuation, duty calculations, and cost-impact considerations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including logistics, procurement, and legal to ensure import operations align with corporate objectives and compliance standards
• Conduct regular audits of customs entries and broker activities to verify accuracy, identify discrepancies, and maintain regulatory compliance
• Support internal and external audits, including CBP reviews and assessments from other relevant authorities
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction within customs and import operations, and lead implementation of best practices
• Advise cross-functional teams on compliance requirements related to U.S. import/export regulations, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, and Free Trade Agreements (e.g., USMCA)
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in international Trade, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• 35 years of experience in trade compliance, customs operations, or international trade
• Strong knowledge of U.S. import/export regulations, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, U.S. Customs regulations, and the HTS classification system
• Solid understanding of Free Trade Agreement utilization (e.g., USMCA) and eligibility documentation processes
• Familiarity with FTZ procedures and operations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access), ERP systems (SAP preferred), and trade compliance systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Descartes, Amber Road, Visual Compliance)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex trade regulations into clear, actionable business guidance
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously
• Analytical skills, ability to analyze data and prepare reports, statements, and projections
• Positive, dedicated attitude with a strong sense of ownership and commitment to continuous improvement
• Collaborative team player with a track record of driving results
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation preferred, but not required

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world's leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender, Squier, Presonus, Gretsch, Jackson, EVH, Charvel, Bigsby, and Groove Tubes, among others. FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans' status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

Fender is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position. "Pay scale" means the salary or hourly wage range that Fender reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive. The pay scale for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that Fender considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work. Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role especially as a new hire and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Subject to the foregoing, the current pay scale for this position is $55,000.00 - $70,000.00.