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Freight and Customs Manager at K18 Hair
United StatesFull-timeOperationsPosted 12 days ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<div class="content-intro"><p>At K18, we're about hair freedom for all–engineered with biotech. We are on a mission to liberate expression. To make the impossible possible with the right technology. To build a community of forward thinkers, risk takers, and rabble rousers. To bring fearless innovation forward and push boundaries past where we thought they could go. </p></div><p><strong>Position Overview</strong></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The Freight and Customs Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of K18’s international and domestic freight, imports, customs compliance, and related transportation operations. This role owns the movement of goods between Vendors , Contract manufacturers (CMs), 3PLs, and customers — ensuring shipments are routed on time, in full, and in compliance with all applicable trade, customs, and EU/international regulations. The Freight and Customs Manager partners closely with 3PLs, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and cross-functional teams to Ensure service, optimize freight cost, mitigate risk, and support accurate financial close. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role combining operational ownership of parcel, US trucking and international shipping with strategic oversight of duty drawback, import cost analysis, and customs compliance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Responsibilities</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":160}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Freight & CM Movement</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":160,"335559739":100}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Act as the main point of contact for all freight movements between contract manufacturers, 3PLs, and warehouses.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Act as the main point of contact for parcel delivery at K18 owning the relationship with UPS and cost optimization of all parcel shipments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Oversee all Vendor-to-CM and CM-to-warehouse movements, ensuring all safety processes are followed and being the main escalation point for security proactive and reactive protocol.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Conduct freight forwarders freight cost analysis to identify savings and optimize lane performance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Drive process improvements in shipping, receiving, packaging, labeling, and freight documentation with a focus on double stacking and load optimization.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Oversee the filing and resolution of freight claims for loss and/or damages.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">International Shipping, Imports & Customs</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":160,"335559739":100}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Follow all international orders daily to ensure they are routed in time to make the month’s revenue.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Route shipments with international customers and freight forwarders in line with Incoterms and customer routing guides.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Create a Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) for every international shipment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Coordinate with AGS to create Certificates of Origin (COO) for required customers and destinations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Manage and resolve all mis-ships, including re-routing, documentation corrections, and claims.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Provide Omni approval of all imports and associated landed cost.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Conduct monthly import cost analysis and report variances and risks to Finance and Operations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="14" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Route Amazon EU shipments with Passport and approve associated shipping costs.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ensure all logistics activities adhere to ISO and other relevant trade and quality standards.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Customs Compliance & Duty Drawback</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":160,"335559739":100}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="16" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Own EU and international compliance, including HS classification, country-of-origin documentation, and custom required paper in collaboration with the regulatory team.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="17" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ensure compliance with all customs laws, trade regulations, and company policies across all import and export activities.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="18" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Lead the duty drawback program: clean up and provide all documentation required, including historical data from 2022–2025.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="19" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Partner with customs broker on bills, classifications, and breakdown of duties; review and approve custom broker invoices.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Finance, Cost & Month-End</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":160,"335559739":100}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="20" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Approve vendor bills in NetSuite related to freight, customs, duties, and international shipping.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="21" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Break down all UPS invoices for the entire company, including DHL allocations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="22" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Track performance, pricing, and OTIF delivery to ensure carrier and broker accountability.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="23" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Support end-of-month close by ensuring freight cost inputs, invoicing records, and import cost data are accurate and complete.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="24" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Communicate freight and duty variances, risks, and savings opportunities to Leadership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="auto">Risk Management & Stakeholder Engagement</span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":160,"335559739":100}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="25" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Identify and mitigate risks in freight and customs operations, including supply chain disruptions, tariff changes, and compliance issues.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="26" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Liaise and negotiate with carriers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international customers to ensure seamless cross-border operations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="27" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply chain, procurement, sales, finance, and customer service teams to align freight activities with business objectives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="28" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Lead and own additional duties as requested.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Qualifications</span></strong> <span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":160}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="29" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or related discipline required.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="30" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">5+ years of progressive experience in freight, international logistics, imports/exports, or customs compliance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="31" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Strong working knowledge of Incoterms, international shipping documentation (SLI, COO, BOL), and customs/duty processes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="32" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience managing customs brokers and freight forwarders for road, ocean and air shipments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="33" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with duty drawback programs and the documentation required to support claims.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="34" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Hands-on experience with ERP systems (NetSuite or similar) for vendor bill approval and cost tracking.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="35" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Proven ability to build and maintain advanced Excel-based models and AI fluency for freight cost analysis, lane comparisons, and accruals.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="36" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Demonstrated success in carrier and broker negotiation, cost optimization, and OTIF performance management.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="37" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Knowledge of EU and international regulatory compliance, including vendor routing guides and labeling requirements (e.g., UCC-128).</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="38" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including comfort facilitating decisions with Finance and executive leadership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="39" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Analytical thinker with keen attention to detail and the ability to compile and analyze large data sets.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="40" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Strong organizational and time management skills; able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-changing environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="•" data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"•","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="41" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Willingness to travel to company 3PL, CM, and broker locations throughout the U.S. and abroad as needed.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">15% travel may be required.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":80}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Salary Range: 90-105k (in USD $)</strong></p>
<p><em>This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as: experience, knowledge and skills, and if the location of the job changes.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Stay safe and protect your personal information. Be cautious of suspicious messages from individuals pretending to be recruiters or company representatives. We will never ask for money, credit card details, or any form of payment during the recruitment process. Official job opportunities are listed only on the K18 Careers page and trusted job boards. All official offers are sent via DocuSign following a verbal offer — never through text or unofficial emails. </em><em>If in doubt, please ignore the message and contact us directly.</em></p><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>EEO Statement</strong></p>
<p>K18 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please see <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf">Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal</a>.</p>
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<p><strong>Privacy</strong></p>
<p>K18 takes your privacy seriously. For more information please review our general <a href="https://www.k18hair.com/pages/privacy-policy" target="_blank">Privacy Notice</a>. </p></div>