Trade Compliance Specialist

Job Summary 

The Trade Compliance Specialist is detail-oriented and proactive in supporting the daily execution of U.S. and Canadian import/export compliance activities. This role is vital to ensuring accurate classification, proper documentation, and complete adherence to Customs regulations across key markets. The Trade Compliance Specialist plays a hands-on role in operational execution by partnering with internal teams and external brokers to resolve Customs issues and shipment delays. This includes supporting KEEN’s U.S. Distribution Center (FEC), working closely with the Sales Samples team, and managing exception resolution for small parcel and freight shipments. The position also supports the company’s Customs Brokers in both the U.S. and Canada to drive accurate and compliant filings and expedite issue resolution.

This role is based in Portland, OR, and requires a regular presence at our global headquarters (minimum three days per week).

Essential Functions

• Assigns and maintains S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for imported footwear, materials, and equipment in alignment with regulatory guidance and internal protocols.
• Partners with internal teams and U.S./Canadian Customs Brokers to investigate and resolve entry discrepancies, documentation issues, and classification questions, escalating complex matters as needed.
• Monitors and follows up on import/export exceptions, including small parcel shipments (e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS), coordinating with brokers to support timely customs clearance.
• Prepares and reviews documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and declarations for the U.S. Distribution Center to support daily export operations.
• Assists in resolving customs clearance delays related to sales samples, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and escalating persistent issues
• Maintains and audits classification and compliance records to support adherence to S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulations.
• Ensures compliance with trade recordkeeping requirements, including S. 19 CFR 163.
• Compiles and reports data on tariff/duty spend, customs holds, inspections, and compliance KPIs to support visibility and continuous improvement.
• Contributes to documentation and data gathering efforts for Free Trade Agreements (e.g., USMCA) and other preferential programs.
• Provides operational and administrative support for audits, inquiries, and trade compliance improvement initiatives in coordination with senior team members.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferred
• Two (2) years experience in trade compliance, preferably within the footwear, apparel, or consumer goods industry

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of HTS classification, Customs entry processes, and import/export
• Experience managing shipment exceptions and Customs delays with both S. and Canadian Customs Brokers.
• Familiarity with small parcel exception resolution and export documentation
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable with trade compliance tools, Customs portals (e.g., ACE), and ERP systems.
• Experience supporting cross-functional teams, including Distribution, Product, and Sales
• Knowledge of Free Trade Agreements, origin documentation, and duty savings programs
• Experience working with Freight Forwarders and regulatory agencies preferred
• Interest in pursuing or holding a U.S. Customs Broker License preferred

Travel  - No

Base Salary: $69,000 - $76,000 yearly
This range represents the low and high ends of this position's anticipated base salary range. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy, which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Why Work at KEEN:  Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.  

At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.

Fuerst Group, KEEN, and Chrome are equal opportunity employers.  We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.