Trade Compliance Operative Specialist (Hybrid - El Segundo, CA)

Our Customer is an endoscope manufacturer, offering systems for human and veterinary medicine as well as for industrial applications. They are headquartered in El Segundo, California.

Our Customer is seeking a Trade Compliance Operative Specialist on a contract basis to help support their business needs. This role is hybrid in El Segundo, CA.

This role serves as a primary point of contact for import/export customs processing and trade compliance activities across North America. This role focuses on executing tasks within established Global Trade Compliance policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and applicable local regulations.

This position acts as a key internal resource for import and export inquiries, supporting departments such as R&D, Purchasing, and Sales, while also engaging with external service providers and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

The role includes operational interaction with U.S. authorities, suppliers (e.g., clarifying trade data attributes), and customers (e.g., export control and restricted party screening). Responsibilities include providing guidance to service providers, monitoring and optimizing internal processes, and ensuring accurate, compliant documentation in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Additionally, the Trade Compliance Operative Specialist maintains essential customs data—including HS codes, country of origin determinations, regulatory classifications, and restricted party screening results—while supporting data analytics and compliance reporting. The role also coordinates closely with customs brokers and freight forwarders to facilitate efficient operations and adherence to trade regulations, serving as a key resource for all departments impacted by trade compliance.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners (e.g., brokers, suppliers) and internal teams (Sales, Procurement, R&D, Logistics, Regulatory, Legal)
• Provide guidance to brokers and service providers to ensure compliant customs and FDA clearance documentation
• Maintain and manage trade master data, including HS Codes, Country of Origin, ECCN, and FDA classifications
• Coordinate import and export activities to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance
• Support export control classification (ECCN), licensing determinations, and compliance with FTR and EEI filings
• Confirm customs valuation methods and support the classification of samples, components, and finished goods
• Conduct restricted party screening and manage sanctions compliance using screening tools (e.g., SAP GTS)
• Resolve screening flags, escalate risks, and support audit processes
• Assist with regulatory audits and inquiries from agencies (e.g., CBP, FDA, BIS, USDA, EPA, DOT)
• Collaborate with brokers and freight forwarders to ensure alignment with compliance procedures
• Generate and analyze compliance metrics using Excel, Power BI, or Tableau
• Support process improvements and optimization of trade compliance workflows
• Maintain accurate compliance documentation in line with company policies and regulations
• Train and develop expertise in classification, export controls, and compliance systems

Skills and Qualifications:

• Degree in business, political science, public governance, law, engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in trade compliance or import/export operations
• Strong knowledge of classifications, export controls, and licensing requirements
• Experience in FDA-regulated industries (e.g., medical devices, pharmaceuticals)
• Familiarity with ECCN, HTS classification, and customs documentation
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify insights
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SAP GTS and trade compliance tools
• Familiarity with ACE and SNAP-R government systems
• Experience with reporting and analytics tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and enhance compliance operations

We offer a competitive salary range for this position. Most candidates who join our team are hired at the median of this range, ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on experience and qualifications.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.