Senior Customs Specialist/  Senior Manager (Onsite - Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Compensation

Compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit.

About the Company

We are a boutique freight forwarding and customs brokerage company serving clients across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and international markets.

The company combines transportation, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage services with a highly hands-on approach to client relationships and operational execution.

This is an opportunity to join a close-knit organization where experienced professionals have significant ownership over their work and contribute directly to the continued success of the business.

Role Overview

The Senior Canada Customs Specialist will play a key role in managing Canadian import customs compliance across the organization.

This is a senior, hands-on customs position responsible for day-to-day customs entries, compliance, documentation, regulatory requirements, audits, and process improvement.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years of professional customs experience, significant Canadian import expertise, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work confidently with internal teams, carriers, suppliers, customs stakeholders, and government authorities.

A customs broker license is preferred, while professional customs/trade certification and experience with relevant customs systems are strong advantages.

Key Responsibilities

Canadian Customs Operations

• Manage and oversee day-to-day Canadian import customs compliance activities.
• Key and process customs entries accurately and efficiently.
• Ensure imported goods are properly classified, valued, and documented.
• Review customs entries and supporting documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage customs entry processes and work closely with customs brokers and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate customs records and documentation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies or issues affecting customs clearance.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Monitor changes to Canadian customs regulations and assess their impact on the business.
• Ensure compliance with Canadian import requirements and applicable customs regulations.
• Support customs audits, reviews, and requests for information from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
• Identify customs compliance risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Support internal and external customs audits and ensure findings are addressed appropriately.
• Help maintain effective customs compliance procedures, controls, and documentation.

Classification, Valuation & Trade Compliance

• Apply strong knowledge of tariff classification, customs valuation, and country-of-origin requirements.
• Review documentation to identify potential compliance concerns.
• Monitor customs-related costs, duties, and other import charges.
• Identify opportunities to improve compliance, accuracy, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Ensure customs documentation and entries accurately reflect applicable requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement, Logistics, Finance, Operations, and other internal teams to resolve customs-related issues.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on Canadian import requirements and customs procedures.
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for complex Canadian customs matters.
• Communicate effectively with customs brokers, carriers, suppliers, clients, and government authorities as required.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of customs processes and workflows.

Hard Skills

• 8+ years of professional customs experience, with significant experience in Canadian imports.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian customs regulations and import compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with customs entries and customs entry processes.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Tariff classification
  • Customs valuation
  • Country-of-origin requirements
  • Canadian import regulations
  • Customs documentation
  • Customs compliance procedures
• Experience supporting customs audits, reviews, and regulatory requests.
• Experience working with customs brokers and other logistics stakeholders.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Experience with Descartes is a bonus.
• CCS certification is highly valued.
• Canadian Customs Broker licensing is preferred.

Soft Skills

• Highly analytical and detail-oriented.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong problem-solving and judgment.
• Able to work independently on complex customs matters.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to accuracy and regulatory detail.
• Able to explain complex customs requirements clearly to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Professional, collaborative, and dependable.

About the Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned Canadian customs professional who can independently manage complex import requirements and serve as a trusted source of customs expertise within the organization.

They should have substantial hands-on experience with Canadian customs entries, import compliance, classification, valuation, origin, and CBSA requirements.

A Canadian Customs Broker license is preferred, but not mandatory. Candidates with CCS certification and/or Descartes experience will be particularly attractive.

The right person will combine deep technical knowledge with sound judgment, strong communication, and the ability to work collaboratively across a boutique logistics environment.

Why This Role Matters

This is a critical role within the Customs Department. The successful candidate will provide experienced oversight of Canadian import customs activities, help maintain strong regulatory compliance, and bring the subject-matter expertise needed to support the business and its clients as it continues to grow.