Customs Brokerage Manager

Customs Brokerage Manager – Chicago, IL Keywords: Customs Brokerage, Import Compliance, Entry Writing, Licensed Customs Broker, Team Leadership, Freight Forwarding About the Company We are representing an established international freight forwarding and logistics provider looking to appoint a Customs Brokerage Manager to lead its Chicago brokerage operation. The business has an established customs team and is looking for a people-focused leader who can take ownership of the department, develop the team, maintain strong customer relationships, and ensure the brokerage operation continues to perform effectively. About the Role The Customs Brokerage Manager will oversee a team of 12 customs professionals, including two Supervisors and ten Entry Writers . The primary focus is leadership rather than personally handling a desk or portfolio of entries. Around 99% of the role is focused on managing the team, reviewing reports and statements, supporting customers, and overseeing the brokerage function . You may occasionally step in to handle an urgent clearance or post-summary correction, but this is not intended to be a hands-on Entry Writer position. An active U.S. Customs Broker License is highly desirable but not mandatory . The company will consider an experienced brokerage leader who is working toward their license and has the right combination of technical knowledge and leadership capability. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop a team of 12 customs brokerage professionals Directly support and manage two Brokerage Supervisors Oversee the day-to-day performance of the customs brokerage department Monitor workloads, service levels, reporting, and operational performance Review brokerage reports, statements, and customs-related activity Provide guidance and escalation support on complex customs clearance issues Maintain strong relationships with customers and address service-related concerns Ensure entries are processed accurately and in accordance with U.S. Customs requirements Support post-entry activity, including corrections and other customs-related requirements Work closely with internal compliance and operational leadership Develop team members and create opportunities for continued professional growth Step into urgent or complex files when operationally necessary Candidate Requirements Strong experience within U.S. customs brokerage Previous experience leading or managing a customs brokerage team Strong understanding of customs entries, clearance procedures, and import regulations Proven ability to manage people, workloads, and operational performance Strong customer-facing and problem-solving capabilities Comfortable managing through Supervisors while remaining accessible to the wider team U.S. Customs Broker License preferred, but not required Candidates actively working toward their Customs Broker License will be considered Freight forwarding industry experience strongly preferred Strong communication and interpersonal skills Above all, the ability to lead, motivate, and develop people effectively What You Can Expect $90,000–$120,000 base salary, depending on experience Leadership responsibility for an established 12-person brokerage team Management-focused position rather than a full-time entry writing role Opportunity for an experienced brokerage professional to step into broader leadership Existing compliance support, allowing the position to focus heavily on people management and operational performance Opportunity to obtain or continue working toward a U.S. Customs Broker License Long-term career development within an established international freight forwarding environment

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