About this role
About the Role
Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company which has embraced the vision to delight its customers, while out-performing its competitors, a business which is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC’s Values and of course loving chocolate.
Position Summary
The Customs & Trade Business Partner North America leads the Customs & Trade agenda for the United States and Canada, ensuring strong customs compliance while positioning Customs & Trade as a strategic business partner and value contributor. The role combines deep customs expertise with business acumen, regulatory risk management, change leadership and value creation. It identifies Customs & Trade implications of business and supply-chain decisions before implementation and translates complex regulatory developments into pragmatic business guidance, controls and opportunities.
Essential Functions
- The position acts as the senior Customs & Trade partner to Supply Chain, Finance, Tax, Sourcing, Legal, External Affairs, Operations and other key functions.
- Lead Customs & Trade for the US and Canada, covering import/export compliance, classification, valuation, origin, FTAs, tariffs, AD/CVD, duty drawback and relevant trade controls.
- Act as strategic Customs & Trade Business Partner , identifying customs implications of changes in sourcing, manufacturing footprint, supply chains, products and commercial models before implementation.
- Translate regulatory developments into business action , particularly US tariff measures, executive orders, CBP/CBSA requirements and other material regulatory changes.
- Drive Customs & Trade value creation , identifying and implementing opportunities related to tariff mitigation, duty recovery/drawback, preferential origin, classification, valuation and duty-efficient supply-chain structures.
- Own Customs & Trade risk management and controls , including risk assessments, internal controls, audits, remediation, disclosures and documentation of material customs positions.
- Lead customs authority interactions , including CBP/CBSA inquiries, audits and information requests, and manage external customs/legal advisors where required.
- Drive customs broker governance , establishing appropriate SOPs, KPIs, controls, performance reviews and escalation mechanisms.
- Leverage customs data and technology to improve compliance, visibility, automation, control effectiveness and identification of savings opportunities.
- Lead Customs & Trade change and transformation , strengthening processes, accountability, data quality and cross-functional ways of working.
- Build organizational capability , providing guidance and training and strengthening Customs & Trade awareness across the business.
- Support the Director Global Customs & Trade in global initiatives , transformation programs and implementation of global standards within North America.
Education / Experience
Requirements
- 8–12+ years of progressive Customs & Trade experience , preferably within a multinational manufacturing or complex international supply-chain environment with footprint both in US as CA Strong, hands-on knowledge of US Customs regulations and practices and relevant Canadian customs requirements.
- Demonstrated expertise in classification, customs valuation, origin, FTAs, tariffs, drawback, customs audits and broker management.
- Proven ability to assess complex regulatory developments and translate them into practical business implications and solutions . Experience identifying and delivering customs savings, risk mitigation and process-improvement opportunities.
- Experience partnering with senior stakeholders across Supply Chain, Finance, Tax, Sourcing, Legal and Operations.
- Experience with customs technology, automation and data analytics is highly desirable.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and Google (Gmail, Drive, Calendar) tools Knowledge of U.S./CAN/MX import and export control laws and regulations Leadership
Competencies: Strategic and hands-on
- Able to move from complex strategic questions into detailed customs issues when required.
- Business-oriented: Understands the commercial and operational context and translates customs requirements into workable solutions.
- Connects the dots: Able to link Customs & Trade with Supply Chain, Tax, Finance, Sourcing, Operations and business strategy.
- Change leader: Able to convert regulatory change into structured cross-functional implementation.
- Strong judgment: Balances compliance, financial exposure, business continuity and operational feasibility.
- Influential challenger: Confident in challenging senior stakeholders, brokers and external advisors when necessary.
- Clear communicator: Able to simplify complex regulatory matters into concise recommendations and decisions.
- Proactive and accountable : Anticipates issues and opportunities rather than operating primarily reactively.
- Data-driven: Uses customs and business data to identify risk, opportunity and control weaknesses.
What you can expect from Barry Callebaut: Salary Range of $100K - $125K based on experience and location, plus bonus and our comprehensive benefits package Paid time off, plus generous holiday time Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum! Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products