Freight Forwarding Manager - Fashion

Position – Import Manager for Wholesale Fashion Company/Midtown NYC

Reports To – CFO

The Freight Forwarding Compliance Specialist is responsible for supporting U.S. import compliance and day‑to‑day trade operations, with a strong focus on shipment and container tracking, tariff classification, broker oversight, and audit readiness for an apparel importer.

This position works closely with the operations and finance teams and external customs brokers, to ensure compliant import activity and accurate customs documentation. This person needs to resolve complex transit delays, port congestion issues, and cargo damage claims effectively. The role does not prepare or file customs entries and does not require a customs broker’s license.

• Support and maintain the company’s U.S. and Canada customs compliance program in accordance with regulations.
• Maintain audit‑ready records related to classification, valuation, country of origin, and duty treatment.
• Perform and maintain HTS classification for apparel and textile products, including garments, fabrics, and components.
• Support internal line reviews and new product setup from a customs compliance perspective.
• Maintain classification rationales, historical decisions, and supporting documentation to ensure consistency.

• Serve as the main operational contact with the company’s external customs broker.
• Review broker‑prepared import entries for accuracy of classification, valuation, and country of origin.
• Identify discrepancies or trends and escalate concerns as needed.
• Coordinate post‑entry activity (e.g., corrections, reconciliations) executed through the broker.

• Track inbound shipments and containers across ports of entry using internal systems and broker platforms.
• Ensure all import/export documentation (Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin) is 100% accurate and compliant.
• Monitor clearance status, exams, holds, and delays; coordinate resolution with brokers and logistics teams.
• Support timely clearance and delivery by partnering with supply chain and logistics functions.
• Assist in developing and maintaining trade compliance procedures, C‑TPAT and internal controls.

• 5+ years of experience in trade compliance, customs operations, or import management
• Required:
  
  Direct experience with apparel and textile imports
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
• Experience reviewing entries
• Strong organizational, analytical, and documentation skills