Customs Compliance Manager

Work Location Type: Hybrid

Req Number 323048

About Grainger:

W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $101,300.00 to $168,900.00.

Rewards and Benefits:

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger’s benefits, please click on the link below:

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above.

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

Position Details

The Customs Compliance Manager – GUS leads a team of in-house classification specialists to ensure the accurate and consistent classification of goods in alignment with international trade regulations. The leader oversees the determination and management of key data elements such as Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), Country of Origin (COO) partner government agency requirements, and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) eligibility, ensuring these are properly stored and maintained to support compliance and operational efficiency. The Manager collaborates extensively with internal stakeholders across finance, import/export compliance, logistics, and international sourcing to uphold legal and policy standards. Additionally, the role supports internal and third-party audits, partners with internal audit teams as needed, and ensures robust training programs are in place for all classification personnel.

This is a hybrid position that is onsite in Lake Forest 2.5 days a week.

You Will

• Leads a team of Licensed Customs Brokers (LCBs) and classification experts to ensure accurate classification of imported and exported goods using U.S. and Canadian HTS codes and ECCNs, while partnering with stakeholders to maintain data accuracy across systems and processes.
• Develops, implements, and monitors customs compliance policies and procedures in coordination with the Import Compliance team, ensuring adherence to U.S. and international regulations including customs valuation, origin determination, and trade agreements.
• Drives cost-saving initiatives such as duty drawback and content solicitation, contributing to overall customs-related financial productivity.
• Mentors and develops the classification team by providing training, career development opportunities, and guidance on classification procedures and regulatory compliance.
• Serves as a key liaison with internal departments (e.g., Logistics, Supply Chain, Legal) and external partners to resolve customs issues, and coordinates with brokers and authorities on classification and compliance matters.
• Leads internal audits related to customs classification, identifies compliance risks, supports customs inquiries and investigations, and implements corrective actions to mitigate future risks.

You Have

• Bachelor's Degree International Business, Supply Chain Management or a related field
• 5+ years Customs compliance with a focus on product classification
• 1+ year leadership experience
• In-depth knowledge of HTS classification, customs regulations, and trade compliance laws
• Strong understanding of import/export processes and documentation requirements
• Proficiency with customs compliance software and Microsoft Office Suite
• Masters Customs Specialist (MCS) or similar designation preferred
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or similar designation preferred
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) preferred

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.