Job Description
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
**This position can be located in Perrysburg, Ohio or Tempe, Arizona
Basic Job Functions:
- Assure compliance and minimize risk related to import and export activities in the US.
- Provide direction to First Solar personnel on regulatory matters as they relate to US import and export activities.
- Act as the primary point of contact for Trade Compliance activities conducted by First Solar Inc. before US Customs authorities.
- Interface with First Solar, Inc. divisions, wholly owned subsidiaries, factories, suppliers, brokers, and freight forwarders to ensure compliance to U.S. government import and export regulations.
- Ensure recordkeeping associated with import and export activities is in compliance with Customs Border Protection, Bureau of Industry and Security and Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations.
- Develop strong business relationships and strategic alliances supporting First Solar’s growth plan.
- Support global alignment within the Trade Compliance Department to ensure a holistic integration as the company expands.
- Manage CTPAT program.
- Manage Customs Brokers in the US.
- Manage the Export Compliance program in the US.
Education/Experience:
- BS/BA degree plus 10 or more years of experience working in international trade compliance, or MBA plus 5 years of experience in a related technical or business field.
- US Customs Broker’s License is a plus.
- In-depth knowledge of operational trade compliance processes and concepts.
- Experience working with U.S. trade regulatory agencies, including US Customs and Border Protection, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, and other participating Government Agencies
- Oracle GTM or Global Trade Management software experience is a plus.
Required Skills/Competencies:
- Decision Making:
- Establish appropriate strategies, objective, initiatives, and metrics to achieve results to meet business objectives.
- Perform risk benefit analyses and implement decisions accordingly Strategic and critical thinking is required.
- Problem Solving:
- Apply root cause analysis and derive corrective actions to enhance compliance.
- Work independently on issues of broad scope and complexity where analysis of situation is highly complicated and requires evaluation of intangibles.
- Project Management:
- Possesses ability to successfully manage multiple large, complex projects at the same time, and to close projects on time.
- Demonstrate project management skills in leading cross functional teams.
- Create work environment which encourages process ownership, engagement in the business and accountability.
- Interaction:
- Ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees, from Operations to Senior Leadership, as well as with suppliers and government agencies
- Create work environment which encourages process ownership, engagement in the business and accountability.
- Build deep industry relationships. Widely recognized as a category subject matter expert. Lead the Trade Compliance Team in the US.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Develop strong relationships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Industry and Security, Commerce, and other related government agencies.
- Manage the Importer Security Filing Program for First Solar to avoid or mitigate Customs fines and penalties related to ISF timeliness and accuracy.
- Focal point for the CTPAT Program for First Solar. Assess risk areas, perform annual self-audit, develop, and implement necessary corrective actions and report activities to US Customs in accordance with CTPAT Program requirements.
- Provide expertise in Harmonized Tariff Classification inclusive of binding ruling application and research and use of various resources to support accurate and applicable global tariffs.
- Provide guidance to Global Logistics staff on Automated Export System requirements. Review results of self-audits and forwarder audits.
- Oversee ECCN determination, use of exemptions, preparation of export licenses and CCATS submissions to BIS.
- Review opportunities to utilize trade preferential programs and free trade agreements to support cost savings. Raise awareness within First Solar of cost-savings opportunities.
- Conduct business dealings with the highest level of integrity and regard for legal and environmental issues.
- Manage US Customs brokers including preparation of performance scorecards. Provide input to the Head of Global Trade Compliance
- Enforce recordkeeping processes based on CBP’s electronic recordkeeping requirements.
- Comply with US Participating Government Agency requirements including TSCA, FDA, and FCC as they relate to importation of items into the US.
- Manage drawback program in the US.
- Manage and lead the Trade Compliance Team in the US.
- Collaborate with other members of the Global Trade Compliance Team to standardize and streamline processes companywide.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Job description subject to change at any time.
Reporting Relationships:
- This position will report to the Head, Global Trade Compliance
Travel:
- Limited travel between 10-20%
Estimated Annual Salary Range:
- $95,000 – $130,000 Annual Salary.
US Physical Requirements:
All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.
Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check band any other tests that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.