Trade Operations Lead, MedTech

Role Overview

• Oversee day‑to‑day maquila operational workflows (inbound raw materials, temporary import regimes, outgoing finished goods), with focus in US Customs, to support accurate IOR/EOR filings.
• Serve as Johnson & Johnson’s operational representative with U.S. Customs, brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, 3PLs, and maquila partners for all IOR/EOR based in the US.
• Ensure accuracy of HTS classifications, valuations, country of origin, marking, and duty treatment for IOR / EOR in US territory.
• Ensure filings align with U.S. Customs requirements (ACE, AES, ISF, entry types), and customs broker submissions.
• Maintain audit readiness for customs, trade, and regulatory inspections.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, surety providers, maquila partners, and carriers to secure appropriate bond coverage, track expiration dates, and manage timely dispositions to avoid penalties or bond claims.
• Oversees TIB documentation completeness (bonds, TIB entry numbers, export confirmations, proof of exportation, and liquidation paperwork) and reconcile TIB records with finance and trade systems.
• Lead remediation and corrective actions involving gaps that might compromise the adherence of IORs / EORs obligations regarding Trade practices in US territory, including TIBs (late exports, extensions not filed, bond claims), and coordinate protests or appeals where appropriate.
• Coordinate incident response for detentions, holds, penalties, bond claims, and disputes with customs authorities; coordinate mitigation and, if needed, formal protests.
• Respond to requests for information (RFIs), audits, and inquiries from U.S. Customs, FDA, and other government agencies; coordinate evidence collection, prepare responses, and manage follow‑up until resolution.
• Monitor compliance KPIs, duty optimization opportunities (e.g., preferential origin under USMCA), drawback, FTZ or bonded solutions where applicable, and identify cost‑saving opportunities that maintain compliance.
• Drive standard operating procedures, controls, and process improvements for cross‑border trade, TIB management, and maquila operations to reduce risk and cost and increase speed to market.
• Serve as the trade compliance subject matter expert (SME) for cross‑functional and Operating Company (OpCo) projects — providing analysis, implementation guidance, and risk assessments to supply‑chain initiatives.
• Navigate in Trade Software tools to perform reconciliations, audits and check-points of E2E transactions, involving Maquila, including Mexico Inbound / IMMEX / “Pedimentos” / Mex Exports / US Import, to identify inconsistencies and reduce declaration exposure.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Tax, Finance) to ensure smooth cross‑functional execution.
• Follow internal Trade Procedures and maintain audit readiness for customs, trade, and regulatory inspections; Proactively identify, quantify, and implement duty‑savings initiatives (duty drawback, preferential origin claims, FTZ strategies), and track realized savings.
• Partner with J&J Deliver Quality, and other areas, to ensure that activities are managed within the appropriate corporate framework and comply with other Johnson & Johnson guidelines (RIM, Procurement Red Book, Travel Policy, Training, etc).

Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business, Law, or related field (or equivalent experience) required.
• Fluent Spanish / English required.
• Licensed Customs Broker and/or Certified Customs Specialist preferred.
• 6–10 years of progressive experience in customs, trade compliance, or cross‑border operations; specific experience with maquiladora/IMMEX, or equivalent programs, strongly preferred.
• Hands‑on experience acting as or closely supporting Importer of Record and Exporter of Record responsibilities for U.S. imports/exports.
• Direct experience managing Maquila and/or Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) processes and lifecycle preferred.
• Experience with SAP GTS, customs entry software, and EDI/ACE integrations.
• Prior experience supporting FDA-regulated product imports/exports or working with regulated supply‑chains.
• Experience with duty mitigation programs (FTZ, drawback) and preferential origin documentation.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with U.S. Customs (CBP) and managing customs broker/forwarder relationships.
• Strong knowledge of HTS classification, valuation, country‑of‑origin rules, duty regimes, USMCA, ACE/AES filing processes, and broker interactions.
• Proven ability to manage complex operational issues, lead cross‑functional projects, and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact with regulators, vendors, and senior leadership.

Benefits

• Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time
• 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
• Work, Personal and Family Time
• up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
• 10 days Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year