Trade Compliance Advisor

At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:

Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible

At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on “Candidates” to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.

Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.

Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.

As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.

Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

The Senior Trade Compliance Advisor leads North American trade compliance activities to ensure alignment with applicable trade laws, regulations, and company policies. Serves as a strategic advisor to internal stakeholders, offering expert guidance on import/export operations, classification, valuation, tariffs, country of origin, and risk mitigation.

(1) Subject Matter Expertise:

• Classifies SHW products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the U.S. and other countries, applying general rules of interpretation, product chemistry, function, and customs rulings. Investigates and responds to customs and other governmental inquiries.
• Provides strategic advice on global trade compliance matters and serves as a North America subject matter expert.  Partners with regional trade compliance advisors to provide global strategic recommendations.
• Monitors regulatory developments and best practices in global trade and applies them to Sherwin-Williams. 
• Represents Sherwin-Williams in external forums, including trade associations and professional groups.
• Provides expert level response to internal and external customer inquiries.
• Designs and delivers internal training on trade compliance topics.

(2) Free Trade Agreements Program Management:

• Leads the North American FTA program, including product qualification, supplier solicitation, broker communication, customer support, and refund filings.
• Leads implementation and continuous improvement of FTA qualification software.
• Ensures accurate documentation, including certificates of origin, and maintains product databases.
• Collaborates with purchasing teams to obtain annual COO documentation for raw materials and purchased articles.
• Responds to internal and external inquiries related to COO, USMCA, government procurement, and other FTAs.
• Files duty refunds for applicable FTAs.
• Provides coaching to the other members of the Sherwin-Williams Trade Compliance team that support free trade activities.

(3) Trade Compliance Systems and Processes:

• Leads cross-functional projects to enhance trade compliance processes. 
• Partners with IT, Finance, Tax and other departments to drive automation, system improvements, data completeness, and accurate trade accounting.
• Identifies and implements system and process enhancements.
• Ensures accuracy and completeness of trade data during business system integrations and other IT projects. 
• Advises on best practices for trade compliance during system implementation.

(4) Other responsibilities and projects to support the goals of the Trade Compliance team, as assigned.

“Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.” 

This position is eligible for health benefits, such as medical, dental and vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), disability coverage, security, retirement and saving benefits, and more. Additional benefits include a generous time away from work package, including personal leave, paid parental leave, medical leave, vacation, holidays, among other benefits

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

FORMAL EDUCATION:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in International Business or International Relations
• OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in sciences such as chemistry, biology, engineering, or similar
• OR Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in another discipline with relevant import/export, customs brokerage or trade compliance experience 

Preferred:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in International Business or International Relations
• OR Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in sciences such as chemistry, biology, engineering, or similar
• OR Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in another discipline with relevant import/export, customs brokerage or trade compliance experience 

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• US Customs Broker’s license   
• 8+ years of Trade Compliance, Customs Brokerage, Import/Export, and/or Regulatory
• Thorough understanding of customs entry filing in the US and Canada
• Thorough understanding of trade compliance regulations including customs valuation, importer of record responsibilities, country of origin determination, tariff and origin engineering 
• Thorough understanding of global Free Trade Agreements 
• Expertise in harmonized tariff schedule classification 

Preferred:

• 10+ years' experience in Trade Compliance, Customs Brokerage, Import/Export, and/or Regulatory
• Thorough understanding of customs entry filing outside North America
• Experience with trade compliance software implementation
• Experience in the chemical industry or good understanding of chemistry as it relates to the paint and coatings industry
• Experience interpreting codes of federal regulations
• Experience in dealing with governmental agencies
• Experience in tariff classification of chemicals 
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to meet trade compliance goals

TECHNICAL/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Required:

• Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Excel
• Team oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to work with and respond to all levels of management, peers, laboratories, manufacturing, regulatory agencies, industry groups and other internal and external customers
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Strong organizational and analytical skills and ability to prioritize competing projects

Preferred:

• Proficiency in common project management methods such as chartering, user story writing, requirements gathering and documentation, status reporting, etc.
• Experience delivering technical presentations to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: (TIME SPENT AWAY FROM HOME OR OTHER TYPICAL OFFICE LOCATION)

• 10%