Company Description

THE COMPANY

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated preliminary sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets.

 

The Automotive group sector comprises technologies for passive safety, brake, chassis, motion, and motion control systems. Innovative solutions for assisted and automated driving, display, and operating technologies, as well as audio and camera solutions for the vehicle interior, are also part of the portfolio, as is intelligent information and communication technology for the mobility services of fleet operators and commercial vehicle manufacturers. Comprehensive activities relating to connectivity technologies, vehicle electronics and high-performance computers round off the range of products and services. Are you ready to shape the future with us?

Job Description

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

As an integral member of the Continental Automotive, the Customs & Trade Manager US and Canada will oversee a team within the North America region to offer compliant solutions for trade issues in a manner that is consistent with Continental Automotive Customs Group Americas policies.  This person will liaise with U.S. and Canada customs officers, trade vendors, external customers, and internal business groups on trade-related import and export activities. The Manager will support and maintain the company’s global trade and regulatory compliance and collaborate with various functions to foster compliance within global trade mitigating the company’s risk and providing efficient and cost effective solutions.Responsible for managing projects trade service providers and business/systems processes related to Customs Foreign Trade (CFT) import and export activities for Continental Automotive Customs Group including analyze and assess business, propose and implement solutions for Customs supply chain opportunities including but not limited to compliance enhancements, anti-dumping countervailing (AD/CVD) scope rulings/investigation, duty savings opportunities, certificate of origin claims, reconciliation filing/reporting, vendor management and related Customs systems and automations.The Customs & Trade Manager will report directly to the Head of Customs Americas and work in close collaboration with the trade Customs and Export Control teams within the Automotive in The Americas.

 

Core Responsibilities:

Manage a robust customs trade compliance program & strategy for US & Canada including the ongoing development of compliance policies, standards, trade software systems and processes related to; product classification, entry operations, regulatory reporting requirements; trade programs and agreements; valuation; and other government requirements as they relate to import/export complianceOversee projects to ensure CFT business partners/vendors are performing to the expected service levels based on scope of services, defined operation procedures, regulatory requirements, and other related business needs.  Ensure vendors performance in maintaining updated procedures and work instructions approved by Continental, ensuring continuous improvement with business systems toward automation, defining reporting requirements and ensuring timely/accurately delivery of required reporting, seeing through root cause and corrective actions, and closing out outstanding requests by Continental in a timely manner. .Analyze trade activities and provide consulting on an as needed basis in support of Customs activities and regulatory changes including but not limited to New trade regulations and tariffs, Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD), Country of Origin qualification/verification, trade classifications and government reporting and adjustments. Work with Continental's outside brokers and vendors providing trade services to obtain valid Harmonized Tariff Codes, ECCN numbers, license and other trade compliance determinations to assist Continental employees with their export or import shipments.Proactively create and perform Customs assessments and audits to support compliance, vendor performance, business process and system controls.  Create and maintain documentation and reporting.  Work with business partner, vendors, internal customers/cross functional departments to provide root cause and corrective actions as needed for gaps and findings.Manage Customs systems and infrastructure supporting business system specification to support software changes necessary to ensure regulatory compliance and systemic automation and optimal user interfacesImplement system and process improvements using established problem-solving methodologies (such as A3 and 8D).Perform all other position related duties as assigned or requested by management.

 

Additional Responsibilities:

Support Non-production shipping systems servicing North America sites with export filing and related customs processes.Support North America C -TPAT program to ensure necessary compliance to CBP's C-TPAT program guidelines.Ability to present and effectively communicate project status, trade requirements, and documents required for trade activities successfully leading and implementing assigned projects, tasks, goals.Work with internal and external business partners to document and implement business processes, policies, work instructions, and reporting as required.Work with Finance and site contacts to establish valuation reporting identifying adjustment to declared value, duties recovered/owed, and other projects required by management. Work with Trade Service Provider and broker to file adjustments and or reconciliations compliantly and timely.

 

Core Capabilities:

Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, power point, power-bi, process flows, email and awareness of Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP.Understanding of logistics processes and carrier managementProficient Knowledge of US Customs laws and requirementsProficient Knowledge of Export Administration Regulations (EAR)AES/EEI Experience

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE 

Required Qualifications:

College Degree - Minimum BA or similar5 or more years experience in Customs Foreign Trade, Trade Compliance industryProject Management & Management ExperienceAbility and willingness to travel internationally (up to 10%)Available after business hours and on weekends

 

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Continental will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting.  

 

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT 

Certified Export Specialist (CES) through NCBFAAU.S. Customs Brokerage LicenseLean Sigma greenbelt

 

Additional Information

THE PERKS 

Immediate Benefits Robust Total Rewards PackagePaid Time OffVolunteer Time OffTuition AssistanceEmployee Discounts, including tire discountsCompetitive Bonus ProgramsEmployes 401k MatchDiverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.Hybrid Work Employee Assistance ProgramFuture Growth Opportunities, including personal and professionalAnd many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

 

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.