Sr. Manager U.S. Customs Import & Export

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

The U.S Customs & Import/Export department primarily oversees the inbound movement of containers/trailers/air shipments from our manufacturing plants overseas/cross-border, to our Distribution Centers/Mattel Campuses in the United States. The department also serves as an in-house broker to process customs clearance on Mattel products and ensures compliance with Customs & Border Protection (CBP) which includes proper HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) classification, ISF (Importer Security Filing) compliance, & identifying those products that fall under particular Trade Agreements for duty exemption.

The Opportunity: 

As our Sr. U.S. Customs Import & Export Manager, you will lead and oversee Mattel’s U.S. Customs Import & Export operations, ensuring full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other applicable government agency requirements. This role plays a critical part in protecting the company’s regulatory standing while enabling efficient and compliant cross-border trade operations.

You will be responsible for leading and developing the Customs compliance team, setting clear performance expectations, and driving accountability across key compliance metrics. This includes oversight of import and export transactions, customs documentation accuracy, tariff classifications, valuation, country of origin determinations, and trade program eligibility. You will also conduct audits and reviews to strengthen internal controls and mitigate risk.

In close partnership with Logistics, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, and external customs brokers, you will ensure alignment between regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Additionally, you will coach and develop team members to build deep subject matter expertise in tariff classification, CTPAT, FTZ, drawback, and other trade compliance programs—fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Manage AOP, plan, achievement and deviation analysis.
• Actively participates on annual carriers bids for Ocean, Drayage, Land and Air.
• Provide reporting (departmental, financial, etc.) & data analysis on an ad-hoc level for upper management.
• Develop and monitor department KPIs for delivery performance, customs compliance metrics, EDI data & quality (Infor/GT Nexus), etc.
• Assess HTS classification/duty on new lines of product applying GRIs & current CBP guidelines.
• Maintain Part Master to keep current with latest rulings & announcements from CBP.
• Develop tools to bring visibility to potential issues & service failures for both our vendors, as well internally as a department.
• Partner with Global Security to oversee the CTPAT compliance program.
• Lead the Import Self-Assessment (ISA) compliance program and related compliance governance requirements.
• Consistently strive to innovate & streamline department tasks by collaborating with fellow employees & outside departments.

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking a candidate with the ability to interpret and apply complex international trade and regulatory requirements, including U.S. Customs regulations, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Free Trade Agreements, and other applicable government agency rules. The ideal candidate can translate regulatory requirements into practical business guidance and ensure organizational compliance.

This individual must be able to draft clear, well-structured reports, policies, procedures, and professional correspondence. Strong presentation skills are essential, including the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, government officials, customs brokers, and cross-functional teams.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, with a demonstrated ability to explain complex trade compliance concepts to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner.

• U.S. Customs Broker License
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations, International Business or another related field
• 7 or more years of experience in Customs, with experience in vendor management & customs compliance
• Strong understanding of US Customs and related laws, regulations and requirements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Able to develop new tools to help streamline the department
• Experience leading and growing a team
• Intermediate-Advance MS Office Suites including Access and Excel

Bonus points for:

• Bilingual capabilities (such as Spanish or Mandarin) are highly valued, particularly in support of specific business needs and global trade lanes.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
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