Director, Global Customs, Trade, & FTZ Operations

Who We Are

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) is the parent company of Wrangler®, Lee® and Rock & Republic®, with owned manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Nicaragua. Kontoor also owns and operates over 140 retail stores across the globe. Our global company employs more than 15,000 people in 65 countries, with world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, and regional headquarters in Geneva and Hong Kong.

Job Posting

As one of the world’s largest apparel importers and exporters, Kontoor Brands has a long history of conducting import and export operations compliantly and efficiently. The Director - Global Customs and Trade and FTZ Operations will be responsible for continuing this legacy; as well as evolving it to keep up with changing regulations, global supply chains, and business requirements. The Director - Global Customs and Trade and FTZ Operations will be the functional owner providing oversight related to all customs compliance and FTZ activities, while complying with applicable laws, regulations and best practices.

This role will also work directly to oversee the Kontoor Brands North and Latin American Customs Compliance teams, ensuring compliant, proactive, and efficient cross-border operations and strategies, as well as managing global compliance strategies and processes. The Director will be responsible for implementing Customs Compliance policies and strategies related to qualification, valuation, classification, and all other compliance processes required by regional Customs’ authorities/regulations. The position will also be responsible for Kontoor’s Global Trade Management Systems; including system development, maintenance, troubleshooting, enhancement, and recordkeeping, covering Kontoor’s Global GTM requirements.

For the FTZ Operations, responsibilities will include overseeing staff and business adherence to established regulations and procedures, fulfilling reporting requirements to various stakeholders, and the creation and maintenance of FTZ policies and procedures. In addition to the Global Trade Management systems, the position will also be responsible for the FTZ systems, including system maintenance, troubleshooting, enhancement, and recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff for end-to-end management of import/export processes for North America and Latin America to ensure maximum compliance with the respective Customs requirements.
• Understand, develop strategy, and implement end-to-end systems requirements for Global Customs and FTZ operations.
• Engage with external parties/consultants and internal Legal Team to establish global compliance monitoring and strategic management around customs programs/processes.
• Interface with internal and external business partners and Customs Authorities to ensure trade compliance.
• Monitor Customs/Regulatory environment changes and adjusting procedures as required.
• Ensure overall compliance regarding product valuation, classification, and other entry processing requirements.
• Develop/Implement strategic opportunities to reduce global duty spend and/or risk.
• Maintaining a positive working relation with US Customs and Border Protection and work to establish a relationship with the respective LTAM authorities.
  
  

Requirements

• 8-10 years combined experience in FTZ operations and Customs Compliance
• Bachelor’s degree, Customs Broker's License required.
• Desired candidate will have demonstrated knowledge or experience of various Customs/Logistics concepts (including but not limited to): Trade Agreements/Qualification, Classification, Valuation, FTZ Warehouse Operations, Import/Export Requirements, Customs Entry Procedures, Value Reconciliation, Global Trade Management Systems, Duty Drawback
• Proven track record in developing new processes and bringing about change and improvement.
• Demonstrable ability to work independently with initiative while directing the work of others.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Problem Solver
• System/Technical Experience
• SAP or similar ERP system
• MS Excel and MS Access
• Strong Project Management experience
• 5-10% Travel as required to U.S. Distribution Centers, Factories in the Americas, and to global operating regions.
  
  

Why Kontoor Brands?

At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle and our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products.

When our employees are healthy, secure and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays and tuition reimbursement.

Our Kontoor D&I Mission

At Kontoor, we believe that D&I is a key enabler to a culture that empowers us to work with passion and confidence, shaping our brand and future.

Our Kontoor D&I Commitment

• Create a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents
• Ensure an equitable environment that attracts & promotes diverse workforce
• Foster inclusivity, ensuring employees feel they can bring their whole selves to work