Trade Compliance Project Manager (Import Operations)

Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.

At Staples, our Merchandising and Supply Chain teams play a critical role in delivering the products, services, and solutions our business customers rely on every day. As a B2B leader, we operate at scale—and trade compliance is essential to keeping our global supply chain moving efficiently, responsibly, and compliantly. The Project Manager, Trade Compliance, joins a collaborative, analytically driven team that partners across the business to ensure compliant import operations while protecting Staples from regulatory, financial, and operational risk.

The Trade Compliance Project Manager (Import Operations) supports compliant, timely, and accurate U.S. import operations through deep technical expertise in Customs entry requirements, tariff classification, broker performance, ACE reporting, post-entry activity, duty payment monitoring, and CTPAT program support. This role serves as a subject matter expert, partnering with internal teams, Customs brokers, logistics providers, suppliers, and external partners to resolve import issues, reduce compliance risk, and support efficient product flow through the supply chain. The role requires independent judgment, strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, and the ability to manage complex trade compliance workstreams. The Project Manager also partners closely with U.S. Customs attorneys and the Staples Legal team on regulatory and compliance matters.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Oversee import operations to support timely and accurate Customs entry processing
• Monitor shipping documentation, EDI messages, ISF filings, entry data, and import exceptions
• Research and resolve Customs holds, exams, PGA issues, broker errors, and documentation discrepancies
• Determine tariff classifications, duty rates, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Prepare and submit binding ruling requests to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as needed
• Support and manage post-entry activity including post summary amendments and protests
• Monitor ACH Periodic Monthly Statement activity to ensure accurate and timely duty, tax, and fee payments
• Analyze Customs broker KPIs, ACE data, clearance performance, and compliance trends
• Support CTPAT program activities, including factory audits, corrective action plans, and Security Profile maintenance
• Provide trade compliance guidance, training, and technical support to internal partners
• Track trade regulatory changes and communicate business impacts and recommended actions
• Identify compliance risks, process gaps, and recurring issues; recommend compliant solutions
• Support audits, internal controls, documentation updates, and process improvement initiatives
• Lead smaller trade compliance projects or defined workstreams within larger cross-functional initiatives
• Mentor and support less experienced team members

What You Bring To The Table:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Analytical, research, and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to make compliance-based decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Results-driven mindset with accountability and follow-through
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical topics to non-specialists
• Collaborative, cross-functional working style
• Sound judgment and confidence knowing when to escalate issues
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning
• Ability to train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to others

What’s Needed- Basic Qualifications:

• 4+ years of progressively complex experience in trade compliance, import operations, Customs brokerage, global logistics, or a related field
• Working knowledge of HTS classification, duty rates, and U.S. Customs import requirements
• Experience with Customs entry processes, import documentation, ISF filings, and post-entry activity
• Experience researching and applying U.S. Customs regulations
• Experience working with Customs brokers and external trade partners
• Hands-on experience using CBP’s ACE system and interpreting import data
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

What’s Needed - Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Business Administration, Logistics, Compliance, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience supporting CTPAT programs, factory audits, or supply chain security initiatives
• U.S. Customs Broker License
• Experience preparing binding ruling requests or supporting regulatory submissions
• Experience monitoring ACH PMS activity and duty payment processes
• Experience building ACE reports, broker scorecards, dashboards, or KPI reporting
• Advanced Excel skills (PivotTables, XLOOKUP, dashboards)
• Experience in a retail, ecommerce, distribution, or high-volume import environment
• Familiarity with PGAs, antidumping/countervailing duties, Section 301/232, FTAs, or special trade programs

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
• Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays + 1 floating holiday)
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting.  The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, business considerations, geography, and internal equity. 

#LI-MR1