Trade Compliance Specialist

Title:
Trade Compliance Specialist

Location:
Houston, TX

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to support and execute the U.S. trade compliance program, with a primary focus on import and export compliance activities. This role serves as a key individual contributor and subject matter expert responsible for managing day‑to‑day compliance processes, partnering cross‑functionally, and driving continuous improvement across trade compliance operations. The position requires a self‑directed professional capable of providing functional leadership without direct reports while collaborating across KAI business units and global Kuraray entities.

This is a hybrid role coming in a twice a week.

• Execute and support the KAI Trade Compliance program in alignment with U.S. regulatory requirements (e.g., CBP, EAR)
• Manage daily import and export compliance activities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Monitor regulatory updates and proactively communicate impacts to key stakeholders
• Develop, maintain, and enhance trade compliance procedures, SOPs, and internal controls
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to global risk compliance and enforcement
• Maintain accurate and complete trade compliance records
• Oversee product classification activities, including HTS and Schedule B codes
• Ensure timely ISF filings and post‑entry corrections in accordance with company processes
• Support Free Trade Agreements (FTA), supplier certifications, and duty drawback programs
• Ensure compliance with FTZ and bonded warehouse requirements (as applicable)
• Coordinate with customs brokers (CHBs) to ensure service quality and regulatory adherence
• Monitor broker performance, support KPI tracking, and contribute to performance reviews
• Partner with Logistics, Procurement, and Customer Service to ensure compliance across business processes
• Support Procurement in compliance aspects of contracts and supplier engagement
• Perform internal audits and risk assessments to identify gaps and drive corrective actions
• Respond to government inquiries and support mitigation and resolution efforts
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders through daily interactions, formal materials, and presentations
• Develop best practices and identify efficiency opportunities across trade compliance processes
• Serve as Trade Account Owner (TAO) for ACE account access and oversight
• Support administration of the PMS program

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, or a related field
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in import/export compliance
• Strong knowledge of U.S. trade regulations (CBP, EAR), including:
• Duty rates and tariff classification
• Import/export documentation requirements
• Pre‑shipment inspection requirements
• Experience working with customs brokers and government systems, including ACE
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to influence and provide guidance without direct authority
• Ability to travel 5% of the time
• Valid driver's license required.

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying…