Associate Director, Inbound Logistics

In This Role

• Lead and coordinate all inbound shipments from international suppliers to U.S. entry ports, warehouses, and distribution centers
• Oversee ocean freight and drayage operations to ensure on-time delivery while minimizing detention and demurrage costs
• Manage container visibility and optimize routing, consolidation, and utilization to reduce landed costs
• Develop and manage KPIs for logistics partners measuring on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and accuracy
• Negotiate contracts and rates with carriers, forwarders, and drayage providers to achieve cost savings and service reliability
• Oversee all U.S. import compliance activities including HTS classification, valuation, country of origin, marking, and documentation
• Ensure accurate and compliant use of HTS codes, duty rates, and free trade program eligibility
• Review and approve customs entry documentation prepared by brokers and freight forwarders
• Monitor and resolve CBP requests, holds, inquiries, and penalties
• Develop and maintain import compliance policies, procedures, and control frameworks aligned with U.S. Customs regulations and company objectives
• Conduct internal audits and broker performance reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance consistency
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Development, Origin Teams, Logistics, and Finance to align trade compliance strategies
• Provide compliance support for new product introductions, design updates, and packaging changes that impact classification or labeling
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of logistics coordinators and analysts
• Other duties as assigned, in accordance with training and qualifications
• Uphold the Core Values and be a valuable member of the Four Hands Team
  • Be open and honest
  • Reach for excellence
  • Act with responsibility
  • Value the whole person
  • Enjoy the journey

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and mentor team members ensuring efficient and effective operations
• Set clear, measurable goals ensuring team accountability and focus
• Foster communication and collaboration across the team, supporting innovation and the adoption of digital tools
• Encourage individual growth through coaching, feedback, and development opportunities
• Promote a mindset of continuous improvement by encouraging teams to reflect on performance
• Support teams through organizational change by communicating clearly and maintaining transparency and empathy
• Execute operational plans that align departmental goals with company priorities
• Analyze market trends and performance data to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for growth

The Ideal Person

• 5+ years of experience in international logistics or transportation management, ideally within furniture, consumer goods, or retail import operations
• 5+ years of experience leading and developing logistics or supply chain teams, including performance management and coaching
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, or a related field
• Deep understanding of ocean freight, U.S. port operations, customs clearance, and inland distribution
• Experienced in managing freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to ensure efficient and compliant operations
• Strong knowledge of CBP regulations, HTS classification, valuation, and country of origin requirements
• Skilled in analyzing data and managing cost and service trade-offs to drive performance and efficiency
• Highly organized with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple imports, vendors, and priorities at once
• Proficient with logistics and compliance systems such as TMS, ERP, ACE, ABI, or global trade management software (e.g., Descartes, Integration Point, SAP GTS)Licensed U.S. Customs Broker a plus
• Experience managing imports from Asia preferred