Global Customs Compliance Leader at Sun Chemical Corporation – Northlake, Illinois

Global Customs Compliance Leader

Northlake, IL, US, 60164
Primary Location: Northlake
Location:

Northlake, IL, US, 60164

Remote or On-Site: Remote
Req ID #: 5779
Pay Ranges: $115,000 - $135,000

Other components of this position’s benefits package include:

Eligibility to receive Short-Term Incentive Compensation

Vacation, paid company holidays, paid personal/sick days

Eligibility to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan, including employer contributions

Eligibility to receive medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental care benefits, basic and optional term life insurance coverage, basic and voluntary accidental death and dismemberment coverage, dependent term life insurance coverage, and disability coverage

All benefits are subject to the terms of the applicable plans.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us. With combined annual sales of more than $8.5 billion and 22,000+ employees worldwide, the DIC Group companies support a diverse collection of global customers.

Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A. For more information, please visit our website at www.sunchemical.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter

About the Role:

We're seeking an experienced Global Customs Compliance Leader to build and lead our customs and trade compliance function across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. This is a strategic leadership role where you'll establish processes, set governance frameworks, and create audit mechanisms that ensure compliance and operational excellence across our Packaging & Graphics, Color Materials, and Advanced Materials business units.

What You'll Do:

Build the Foundation

Design and implement a harmonized global customs compliance program from the ground up

Establish governance structures, standard operating procedures, and audit processes across all regions

Create a scalable compliance organization as foundational processes mature

Standardize systems and processes while incorporating regional best practices

Lead Compliance Operations

Oversee harmonized tariff classification (HTS), country of origin determinations, and Free Trade Agreement eligibility

Manage denied party screening, preference documentation, and manufacturing affidavits

Maintain classification accuracy using technical specifications and product drawings

Conduct annual reviews of HTS codes and compliance documentation

Drive Training & Awareness

Develop and deliver formal training programs across key geographies

Create internal compliance documentation and best practice guides

Identify improvement opportunities and upskill teams on compliance requirements

Collaborate Cross-Functionally

Partner with warehousing, manufacturing, IT, and business leaders to align compliance with operational objectives

Coordinate with external customs brokers and third-party logistics providers

Support internal teams with FTA documentation and origin determination

Monitor & Optimize

Track transactional data to identify trends and cost-saving opportunities

Use scorecards and RACI frameworks to measure performance and clarify accountability

Deliver timely reports on compliance metrics and improvement initiatives

Escalate service issues with external partners when necessary

What You Bring:

Required:

10+ years of customs and trade compliance experience in a global manufacturing or chemical company

Proven ability to establish processes, governance frameworks, and compliance programs

Deep expertise in customs compliance across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific

Strong understanding of HTS classification, FTAs, country of origin rules, and import/export regulations

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field

Licensed Customs Broker certification

Experience with SAP and APO systems

Background in ethical supplier compliance and cross-functional collaboration

Why This Role:

This is a unique opportunity to build something from the ground up establishing the processes, governance, and organizational structure that will shape global customs compliance for years to come. If you're a strategic thinker who can balance compliance rigor with operational efficiency, we want to hear from you.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is Sun’s policy that applicants for employment are recruited, selected, and hired on the basis of individual merit and ability with respect to the position being filled. Sun prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Employment agencies are an important component of our talent acquisition strategy, and we value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. We will not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Sun Chemical or directly to hiring managers in any form without a signed contract on file, and search engagement for that position, will be deemed unsolicited in nature, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means. Additionally, any resume submitted without a contract in place will be considered property of Sun Chemical and no fees will be paid to the agency if the candidate is hired.

Note: The base pay range listed is a good-faith estimate of what Sun Chemical may offer to new hires for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), relevant experience, education, certifications, and alignment with the minimum job qualifications. Additional considerations may include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity within Sun Chemical. #ID23