Global Trade

About the Role

We are seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to join the APAC Trade Compliance team, with a primary focus on trade compliance in Japan. In this position, you will support day-to-day import and export operations, strengthen trade compliance governance, and participate in various projects while collaborating with colleagues at overseas sites, including the U.S., Europe, and China.

Responsibilities

• Manage import and export customs clearance operations and provide clear and appropriate instructions to customs brokers.
• Respond to inquiries from internal stakeholders regarding import/export requirements and business processes.
• Classify products and assign HS codes, including consultation with customs authorities as necessary.
• Arrange export shipments outside the system based on manual instructions.
• Perform origin determination activities under Economic Partnership Agreements and Free Trade Agreements (EPA/FTA).
• Issue Certificates of Origin and manage related documentation.
• Conduct security export control in compliance with Japan’s Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and applicable regulations in other countries.
• Perform export control classification and transaction screening.
• Enter and maintain required data in trade compliance systems, including HS codes and export control classification results.
• Respond to customs post-entry audits and external audits.
• Record import/export transaction ledgers and manage related evidence and documentation.
• Assess the impact of regulatory changes and support the establishment of appropriate internal control processes.
• Manage import/export compliance issues and drive corrective actions.
• Collaborate with overseas sites to identify, drive, and execute process improvements from a global perspective.
• Provide work instructions, supervision, and training to temporary employees and outsourced service providers.
• Conduct internal trade compliance training as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Japanese: Native-level proficiency.
• English: Business-level proficiency, with the ability to use English without difficulty in day-to-day work, including email communication and meetings.
• STC Associate certification.
• Hands-on experience with HS code classification.
• Experience proactively leading and managing overall control/management activities and/or projects.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• At least 5 years of trade compliance experience at a business company.
• At least 5 years of HS code classification experience at a business company.

Desired Qualifications

• STC Associate Advanced certification.
• Licensed Customs Specialist / Customs Broker qualification.
• Knowledge of or practical experience with SAP S/4HANA, SAP TM, and SAP GTS. Note: The company’s core business system is scheduled to migrate to SAP from November 2026.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• The ideal candidate will have practical expertise in trade compliance and sound judgment. We are looking for someone who proactively creates manuals and operational documents, builds standardized business processes, has the initiative to actively participate in projects, and supports company-wide trade compliance governance.
• The successful candidate will also be able to adapt flexibly to W.L. Gore & Associates’ culture, which is based primarily on a lattice organizational structure, and use that environment as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Working Environment

• This role works closely with stakeholders in Japan and across the APAC region. The position also collaborates with teams in the U.S., Europe, and China as needed.
• Global communication in English, including email correspondence and meetings, occurs on a regular basis.