Import Systems Manager

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

The Import Systems Manager role at Watlow is a key strategic leadership role within Watlow's Global Trade Compliance organization. This role will have a significant impact on the company's global operations and success as a trusted advisor and business partner - delivering actionable, practical, and compliant solutions.

This role will ensure compliance with international import and customs-related trade regulations with a heavy focus on efficient, streamlined processes and leveraging technology. To that end, defining and synthesizing various regional requirements into a robust integrated global program will be core the role. Among other key responsibilities, such as executing a world-class tariff mitigation program, you will be the chief architect for an effective and scalable global custom and import compliance program with the mission statement of sustainable long-terms savings, cost-avoidance, and risk mitigation.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and enhance our global customs operations. Conduct in-depth assessments of current customs processes to uncover gaps and opportunities for improvement, helping to ensure our global trade operations remain efficient and compliant.
• Establish and lead Customs Centers of Excellence. Build and manage a high-performing network of customs expertise across APAC, EU, and LATAM, ensuring we meet complex regional customs requirements while enabling global consistency.
• Own key areas of compliance. Take full ownership of import compliance functions including customs entries, country-of-origin markings, product valuation, transfer pricing alignment, power of attorney (POA) documentation, and customs broker oversight.
• Lead global FTZ and non-U.S. trade program efforts. Oversee implementation and compliance with global Free Trade Zone (FTZ) programs as well as region-specific trade schemes like Malaysia's Licensed Manufacturing Warehouse (LMW) and India's FTZW.
• Conduct audits and manage trade risk. Execute regular audits and customs risk assessments, and drive timely, effective corrective actions to mitigate potential regulatory or operational issues.
• Interface directly with customs authorities. Represent Watlow in communications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and international customs agencies-including handling inquiries such as CF-28s and CF-29s-to ensure regulatory expectations are met.
• Shape the customs team and structure. Recommend and help build the right customs organizational structure-balancing internal vs. external resources and centralized vs. distributed models to best support our global footprint.
• Drive CTPAT readiness and implementation. Lead Watlow's Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) readiness efforts by assessing current status, developing an implementation roadmap, and driving strategic adoption across the company.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Supply Chain, International Business, or Logistics) with 10+ years of experience in U.S. Customs brokerage, global trade compliance, or customs strategy
• In-depth knowledge of CBP regulations, ACE portal, import licensing requirements, and customs entry processes
• Proven ability to design, implement, and scale global customs operations across diverse geographies
• Skilled in analyzing trade processes to assess and implement duty mitigation programs (e.g., FTZs, drawback, reconciliation)
• Hands-on experience with CTPAT, AEO, and Trusted Trader program implementation and management
• Familiarity with organizational and process design, including offshoring/nearshoring customs functions or shared services (a plus)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience designing and deploying digital customs workflows such as classification automation and API-based customs filing
• Background in customs tech platforms, with exposure to tools like OCR or similar integration platforms
• Consulting experience or a proven track record of advising senior leaders on customs and trade compliance strategy
• Strong knowledge of non-U.S. customs programs and requirements (e.g., Malaysia LMW, India FTZW)
• Exceptional communication and executive presence, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and leadership without direct authority
• Highly adaptable and agile, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving regulatory environments

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Achievement Award
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.