J. Crew
DirectorCustomsClassificationandEngineering
“Director - Customs Classification and Engineering at J. Crew. Skills: HTSUS classification, Duty engineering, Cross-functional influence, Customs compliance. Lead development of pre-classification process. Partner with sourcing teams on product lines”
What You'll Achieve.
Drive compliant, cost-effective importation; Reduce duty exposure; Maintain a compliant organization; Improve accuracy and efficiency; Support strategic sourcing decisions
Industry & Context.
Solutions-oriented
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
10–15 years of progressive experience in HTS classification and customs compliance, minimum of 7–10 years specifically in apparel and/or accessories, Deep, hands-on expertise in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), including General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and apparel-specific classification nuances, Demonstrated experience with duty engineering, including knowledge of construction and materials as they relate to duty rates in apparel and accessories, Familiarity with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), preferential tariff programs, and other trade benefit mechanisms, Proven ability to communicate complex tariff and trade compliance concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences including design and senior sourcing teams, Experience interfacing with legal counsel on customs rulings, binding classification opinions, and regulatory review, Excellent written and verbal communication skills, experience creating and delivering training materials and presentations, Proficiency in PowerPoint and Microsoft Office Suite
Nice to Have
Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation, Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Business, Supply Chain, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field, Experience working within a retail or branded fashion company (vs. brokerage or freight forwarder), Familiarity with customs compliance platforms and entry management tools (e. g. , ACE), Experience building or working within classification databases, Reporting proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, data analysis) or BI tools
What You'll Do.
Lead development of pre-classification process
Partner with sourcing teams on product lines
Facilitate estimated landed costs
Own classification review for complex categories
Identify duty engineering opportunities
Communicate duty engineering opportunities
Monitor impact of FTAs and trade programs
Translate findings into recommendations
Develop and maintain education materials
Serve as internal communications lead for tariff updates
Provide guidance to cross-functional stakeholders
Plan and facilitate internal training sessions
Act as key internal liaison with customs brokerage
Facilitate communication between brokerage and internal teams
Collaborate with legal teams on trade guidelines
Support preparation of customs ruling requests
Reinforce and improve customs compliance procedures
Monitor CBP regulations and tariff schedule updates
Assess risk and communicate impact
Manage workload across multiple categories
Own and maintain HTS classification database integrity
Conduct regular audits of classification data
Implement corrective action for data errors
Develop and distribute reporting on duty spend
Provide actionable insights to leadership
Partner with Operations and IT on trade compliance tools
Optimize trade compliance tools and platforms
Leverage data analysis for duty savings
Support strategic sourcing decisions
Lead and develop classification and trade compliance team
Provide day-to-day direction and coaching
Foster a culture of continuous learning
Keep team current on regulatory changes
Model a collaborative
solutions-oriented approach
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Partnering with each sourcing team; Educate and influence at all levels; Serve as primary liaison between internal teams and customs brokerage; Ensuring accuracy, compliance, and proactive communication; Partner with sourcing and design teams; Provide clear, timely, and accurate guidance to cross-functional stakeholders; Facilitate clear and efficient communication between the brokerage and internal sourcing teams; Collaborate with legal teams; Partner with Operations and IT teams; Improving accuracy and efficiency; Ensuring classification and duty data is seamlessly integrated; Model a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach that reflects the cross-functional nature of the role
Communication Scope
Communicate complex tariff and trade compliance concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Experience creating and delivering training materials and presentations; Provide clear, timely, and accurate guidance; Executive-level communication
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