Associate Manager, Compliance

About the role

Associate Manager, Compliance

At Flexport, we believe global trade can move the human race forward. That’s why it’s our mission to make global commerce so easy there will be more of it. We’re shaping the future of a $10T industry with solutions powered by innovative technology and exceptional people. Today, companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to Fortune 500s—use Flexport technology to move more than $19B of merchandise across 112 countries a year.

The Associate Manager of Compliance is a high-impact role responsible for independently managing and developing critical Customs and Trade Compliance programs and projects. This position requires operating with a high degree of autonomy, demonstrating exceptional accountability, and serving as a proactive leader and program owner for both the Customs team and cross-functional stakeholders. The role involves partly owning Customs and Compliance projects and programs, guided by the Compliance Manager, but requires the ability to work independently, build and improve programs, provide guidance, and guide third-party support operators.

You Will

• The Associate Manager is expected to operate as a program owner and subject-matter expert, leading initiatives, triaging major escalations, and mentoring junior team members.
• Program Management: Partly own and manage a portfolio of compliance programs and projects, ensuring successful completion, adherence to deadlines, accurate documentation, and reporting to the Compliance Manager.
• Independent Oversight: Independently manage and own a full range of compliance tasks, including the navigation of complex workflow management tools (e.g., Jira), statement payments, entry audits, ensuring the team executes them efficiently.
• Audit Readiness & Mitigation: Lead and manage internal compliance audits and reviews, identifying and escalating areas of concern, and mitigating risk by implementing robust operational and tech-based solutions.
• Proactive Program Development: Consistently and proactively identify process inefficiencies, workflow bottlenecks, and areas of significant risk. Build, suggest, and implement effective solutions and programs to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining strict compliance.
• Standardization & Documentation: Take full ownership of recurring, high-impact compliance processes, seeking to standardize, document, and implement best practices across the Customs organization.
• Guidance of Third-Party Support: Provide clear direction, guidance, and training to third-party support operators to ensure their work aligns with company SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Mentorship & Training: Actively serve as a leader, mentor, and primary resource for Compliance Associates and new hires, leading training, onboarding, and continuous skill development within the Customs organization.
• Quality Assurance & Review: Regularly lead the peer review process for team members' work (e.g., entries, statements, client files) to enforce accuracy, quality, and strict adherence to company SOPs.
• Go-To Resource: Serve as the first line of escalation and the go-to resource for peers and junior staff seeking immediate guidance on complex compliance issues.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Support: Serve as a key compliance resource and authoritative point of contact for internal and external teams (e.g., Finance, Operations, Legal, Clients, Customs) to facilitate program execution, policy clarification, and complex issue resolution.
• Effective Risk Communication: Communicate complex compliance risks, mitigation strategies, and regulatory requirements to non-compliance teams in a clear, concise, and business-friendly manner.
• Complex Issue Resolution: Lead and collaborate effectively across departments to resolve complex, cross-functional compliance issues, serving as the compliance lead in these efforts.

You Should Have

• 5-7 years experience in customs operations and/or compliance
• Bachelor’s degree
• Licensed US Customs Broker
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)
• Proven ability to manage projects and work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on attention to detail
• Excellent time and task management skills, with a history of meeting and enforcing deadlines
• Demonstrated experience in a relevant compliance position or a similarly regulated industry environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for both internal team leadership and external stakeholder engagement
• Commitment to continuous learning regarding industry regulations and best practices