CTPAT Program Specialist

Summary

Looking for a career, at a company where you love to work, all while working from the comfort of home? Do you want to be part of a growing organization, on a team that’s interested in your development?

Willson International is a Customs Brokerage and Third-Party Logistics organization. At Willson, we’re creating an environment that empowers our people to reach their full potential, while embracing your strengths and ambitions. Whether it’s developing new skills, opportunities to innovate and grow, or the flexibility to enjoy the moments that matter with your loved ones, Willson International is the place for you.

Description of Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic CTPAT Program Specialist to lead and continually enhance our CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) program. This role requires a strong combination of supply chain security expertise, risk management, trade compliance knowledge, and stakeholder engagement capabilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the organization's CTPAT program, including partner risk assessments, importer vetting, security profile maintenance, training initiatives, and ongoing compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) security requirements.

Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), particularly individuals who have worked directly with the CTPAT program, supply chain security, cargo enforcement, trade operations, or trusted trader programs.

As the CTPAT Program Specialist, you will serve as the subject matter expert for supply chain security initiatives while partnering with internal business units, customers, carriers, brokers, vendors, and government agencies to maintain and strengthen our security posture.

Principal Accountabilities & Duties

Technical Compliance & Advisory

Regulatory Interpretation

• Interpret U.S. customs and international trade compliance regulations, translating them into actionable, risk-mitigating strategies for clients at any stage of import/export operations, compliance management, and audit activity.
• Advise clients on applicable government regulations and agency requirements, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, the Tariff Act, Customs Modernization Act (Mod Act), Federal Register Notices, CBP Rulings, Informed Compliance Publications, and other applicable trade regulations.

Tariff Classification

• Classify imported products utilizing advanced knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
• Apply General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), Section and Chapter Notes, Explanatory Notes, Customs Rulings, and relevant legal precedents to ensure accurate and defensible classifications.

Rulings & Research

• Research customs rulings and trade regulations and manage the preparation, submission, and support of Binding Ruling Requests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Conduct technical research to support client compliance initiatives, audit responses, and strategic trade decisions.

Trade Controls & Valuation

• Advise on customs valuation methodologies, country of origin determinations, USMCA and other Free Trade Agreement qualification requirements, PGA/OGA compliance (FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC, DOT, etc.), Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) programs, and import permit requirements.
• Effectively manage Protests, Prior Disclosures, Post Summary Corrections (PSC), Reconciliation Programs, Duty Drawback, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) activities, and other duty recovery or compliance initiatives.

Digital Tools & Exports

• Utilize CBP systems and trade technology platforms effectively while maintaining a strong understanding of U.S. export regulations and controls.
• Support clients with process improvements, compliance analytics, and technology-enabled trade solutions.

Core Competencies

Executive Presence

• Capable of seamlessly interfacing with all levels of an organization, from front-line operational employees to C-suite executives.

Business Acumen

• Strong regulatory, analytical, financial, and organizational skills.

Communication Excellence

• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills with a proven ability to logically document and explain complex regulatory processes.

Problem Solving

• Strong investigative skills with a proactive approach to identifying gaps and implementing sustainable solutions.

Technology Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and CRM tools.

Knowledge and Educational Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in international trade, customs compliance, customs brokerage, or trade consulting environments, with strong expertise in U.S. import/export regulations.
• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB) designation is an asset.
• Additional trade compliance certifications or professional designations considered an asset.
• Proven ability to facilitate business growth while effectively maintaining a compliance-focused environment.
• Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills while operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior strategic, organizational, analytical, and abstract reasoning skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with public speaking and presenting to large groups and executive audiences.
• Solid financial acumen related to trade compliance, customs programs, and international supply chain activities.
• Proven ability to manage client engagements, develop business relationships, and identify opportunities for service expansion.

Why you’ll love it at Willson

• Work-from-home environment, with a home internet reimbursement
• 3 weeks paid vacation for all new hires
• 401K program
• We care about your loved ones too – that’s why we offer family medical benefit coverage (including significant mental-health practitioner coverage), Compassionate Care top-ups, and Maternity/Parental top-ups.
• Change is crucial to success – it’s never a dull moment here! We offer trainings, and cover the cost of certifications so you can adapt to change with your best foot forward
• #Oneteam is essential to our corporate identity – we only succeed if we work together. That’s why we take the time to recognize the value of our staff, and celebrate the big moments together (like service anniversaries, weddings, and cute things, like puppies and babies).