Distribution and Trade Compliance Manager

The Distribution and Trade Compliance Manager provides overall leadership for outbound logistics, customs compliance, receiving and warehouse operations. The role ensures parts and machines are shipped accurately and on time, cross-border requirements are met, operational priorities remain visible, and available capacity is used effectively. This position works closely with Sales, Parts Sales, Operations and Planning, maintains a regular presence in the operation, and leads the daily management rhythm needed to keep the team aligned and productive.

Responsibilities

Oversee Canadian and U.S. import and export compliance, including customs documentation, tariff classification, country of origin, valuation, and USMCA/CUSMA requirements; Ensure shipment data and supporting documentation are accurate, complete, controlled, and retained in accordance with company and regulatory requirements; Partner with customs brokers, carriers, internal experts, and other partners to quickly resolve entry discrepancies, shipment holds, and compliance risks; Maintain controls and escalation procedures that support accurate customs activity, appropriate preferential trade claims, and audit readiness; Ensure parts, machines, and intercompany transfers are picked, packed, documented, and shipped safely, accurately, and on time; Maintain visibility of upcoming shipments, priorities, documentation, capacity constraints, and risks, communicating changes as needed; Manage carrier and freight forwarder performance, freight costs, packaging, crating, loading coordination, damage claims, and escalated delivery issues; Ensure customer requirements, routing instructions, Incoterms, and internal shipment release controls are consistently followed; Lead daily huddles to establish priorities, assign responsibilities, identify constraints, and align the team on the daily plan; Manage workload and capacity across shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations, reallocating resources as business needs change; Set clear expectations for productivity, service, accuracy, safety, and follow-through; Maintain an active presence on the floor, coach team members, remove barriers, and address performance gaps; Develop cross-training and coverage plans that build team capabilities and improve flexibility across functions; Partner with Sales, Parts Sales, Operations, and Planning to align shipment dates, production readiness, documentation, and customer priorities; Provide timely updates on shipment status, delays, risks, resource constraints, and recovery plans; Proactively resolve cross-functional issues that could affect customers, production schedules, or regulatory compliance; Ensure receiving, put-away, and material movement activities are completed safely, accurately, and on time; Maintain high standards for warehouse organization, 5S, safe storage, space utilization, material identification, and location accuracy; Ensure discrepancies, returns, transfers, negative inventory, picking errors, and recurring inventory variances are investigated and resolved; Oversee cycle counts, physical inventory, and warehouse audits, ensuring identified issues and corrective actions are addressed; Establish and monitor practical KPIs for on-time shipping, backlogs, productivity, accuracy, freight performance, and customs compliance; Use data, floor observations, and root-cause analysis to identify recurring issues and implement sustainable corrective actions; Lead continuous improvement efforts related to warehouse layout, workflow, systems, material flow, labor utilization, and business continuity

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, business, operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience will be considered; 7+ years of progressive experience in logistics, shipping, warehouse operations, or customs compliance, including leadership responsibility for workforce and capacity management; Strong working knowledge of Canadian and U.S. import and export requirements, including tariff classification, country of origin, valuation, Incoterms, and USMCA/CUSMA documentation; Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation or comparable North American customs or trade compliance credential preferred; equivalent customs compliance experience will be considered; Strong cross-functional communication and problem-solving skills; Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel

Nice to have

APICS or ASCM certification, including CPIM or CSCP, is an asset

Benefits

Comprehensive medical/dental program; Generous paid time off program; Retirement savings plan with a company match (starting day one); Eligibility for benefits after three months of employment; Growth opportunities