Senior Trade Compliance Specialist

Location: CR - Alajuela, Coyol

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can develop yourself?

The Senior Trade Compliance Specialist will play a critical role in supporting customs compliance, tariff strategy, trade analytics, operational compliance programs, customs operations, and continuous improvement initiatives across the United States and Canada. This position combines technical trade compliance expertise with strong analytical capabilities, business acumen, sound judgment, and a process improvement mindset.

What Will You Be Doing

Trade Analytics & Reporting: Develop, maintain, and enhance Trade Compliance dashboards, scorecards, and reporting. Analyse large customs and trade datasets to identify compliance risks, trends, anomalies, and savings opportunities.

Use Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Microsoft Copilot, SAP and other ERP systems.

Tariff Classification & Product Compliance

Determine and maintain tariff classifications under HTSUS and Canadian Customs Tariff as well as country-of-origin assessments.

Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams.

Customs Audits & Compliance Monitoring

Perform import entry audits and transactional compliance reviews. Identify recurring errors, trends, and process weaknesses.

Post-Entry Compliance & Duty Recovery

Prepare, review, and coordinate PSCs, protests, duty recovery claims, and other post-entry filings.

Restricted Party Screening & Export Compliance Support: Conduct and support restricted party screening activities.

Customs Clearance Support

Serve as the primary backup for customs clearance activities supporting North American operations.

Cross-Functional Support

• Support Trade Compliance leadership in engagements with Legal, R&D, Finance, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve day-to-day processes, controls, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• What Will You Need to Be Successful
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, International Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Logistics, Customs Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in Trade Compliance, Customs Compliance, Customs Brokerage, Import Operations, or related field.
• Working knowledge of U.S. and Canadian customs requirements, HTS classification, customs valuation, country of origin, tariff engineering, entry audits, PSCs, protests, duty recovery.
• Strong financial acumen. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 tools.

Languages

Fluent in English (C1)

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft Copilot.
• Experience with SAP and/or other ERP systems.
• Experience in medical device, healthcare, or life sciences industry.

You. Unlimited

• We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
• Inclusion+belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving, learn more about employee inclusion groups on our website
• Other reasons why you will love it here!
• Your future: stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.
• Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.
• Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.
• Training: Training program, unlimited learning.
• Extra perks: employees association, and more...

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