Website The Headhunters
Job Description
Introduction
Our client is a venerable Vancouver-based customs brokerage firm with a legacy dating back to 1946. They have built a reputation for providing friendly, reliable, and highly automated import and export services to a diverse portfolio of Canadian and U.S. companies. Their team is comprised of elite professionals with an average of over 15 years of industry experience, and they are currently looking to add a top-tier Ocean Specialist to their leadership ranks.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Certified Customs Broker (CCS/CTCS) with a deep specialization in ocean imports. This is a leadership-track role within the imports team, ideal for someone who is organized, tech-savvy, and ready to navigate the complexities of federal regulations across all transportation modes, with a primary focus on sea freight.
How You’ll Make an Impact
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Strategic Clearance: Oversee the accurate and timely release of SWI/IID shipments, ensuring perfect classification and rating.
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Compliance Advocacy: Verify complex documentation, including Free Trade Agreement certificates, and act as a professional liaison between clients, carriers, and the CBSA.
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Process Innovation: Continuously assess and refine departmental workflows to drive efficiency in the ocean department.
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Tariff Mastery: Conduct rigorous HTS tariff reviews and approve updates, ensuring all billing information is precise and compliant.
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Client Stewardship: Build and maintain high-trust relationships with a diverse client base, resolving issues and advocating for their interests at every step.
Job Data Table
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | The Headhunters (Recruiting for a 1946-founded Firm) |
| Location | Vancouver, BC, Canada |
| Locality | Lower Mainland / Metro Vancouver |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Salaries | CA$60,000 – CA$70,000 per year |
| Experience Level | 5+ Years (Specializing in Ocean Customs) |
| Industry | Customs Brokerage & Logistics |
| Tech Stack | Descartes ITMR4 (Asset), Advanced Excel |
Skills & Competency Table
| Skill / Competency | Level |
| Ocean Customs Brokerage | Expert |
| HTS Tariff Classification | Expert |
| CBSA Regulations & SWI/IID | Advanced |
| PGA Requirements | Advanced |
| Descartes ITMR4 | Preferred Asset |
| Analytical Problem Solving | Advanced |
Salaries & Benefits Table
| Component | Details |
| Base Salary | CA$60,000 – CA$70,000 |
| Annual Bonus | Included; based on performance |
| Salary Reviews | Guaranteed yearly reviews and increases |
| Health & Wellness | Comprehensive benefits + Wellness reimbursement |
| Professional Dev. | Full education support for certifications |
Job Summary
This Vancouver-based role requires a Licensed Customs Broker with 5+ years of experience specifically in Ocean Imports. You will lead the ocean department’s technical operations, managing SWI/IID shipments, ensuring HTS accuracy, and navigating CBSA/PGA regulations. The role offers a stable environment in a firm with nearly 80 years of history, combining a competitive $60k–$70k salary with robust wellness and education benefits.
FAQs
1. What is the mandatory certification for this role?
You must hold a CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) or CTCS (Certified Trade Compliance Specialist) designation.
2. Does the role require a degree?
Yes, the client specifically looks for candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
3. Is leadership experience required?
It is listed as a bonus. While the role is technical, you will lead the ocean department and collaborate on operational decision-making.
4. What software is used?
The company utilizes highly automated systems; experience with Descartes ITMR4 is considered a significant asset.
5. Is this a remote-friendly role?
The posting is for Vancouver, BC. While many modern brokerages offer hybrid options, the focus is on Western Canada-based candidates who can collaborate with the local team.
Expert Analysis
For a Customs Broker, the $60k–$70k range for an “Ocean Specialist” is a solid mid-to-senior level bracket in Vancouver. The fact that the firm has existed since 1946 suggests a very stable, likely “high-retention” environment where expertise is highly valued. Because they mention “SWI/IID” (Single Window Initiative/Integrated Import Declaration), they are looking for someone who is fully up-to-date with the latest CBSA digital modernization efforts.
Location & Career Path
Vancouver is Canada’s largest gateway for ocean freight. Being an Ocean Specialist here places you at the center of the country’s most vital trade route.
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Next Step: Senior Manager of Compliance or Director of Customs Operations.
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Specialization: Transitioning into a Trade Compliance Manager role for a large multinational importer or specializing in complex PGA (Participating Government Agency) categories like food (CFIA) or health products.
To apply for Company Website jobs.theheadhunters.ca.