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OQ Chemicals GmbH

Trade Compliance Specialist

OQ Chemicals GmbH, Houston, TX


OQ Chemicals Company Overview | World leader in Oxo Chemicals

Oxo products are the core competency of OQ Chemicals. We are producing more than 70 oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives for customers in a wide range of industries with various end market applications. Our chemicals are important ingredients in products that are used in daily life around the world. "We" refers to more than 1,400 OQ Chemicals employees worldwide. At our plants in Germany, the USA, China and the Netherlands, we produce intermediates and derivatives.

Job purpose

Coordination, validation, and monitoring of customs documentation and import/export processes and policies relating to export shipping and receiving of foreign materials. Directing corrective action as necessary to follow compliance measures. Providing expert insights concerning the requirements and obligations of exporting and importing goods.

The position will act in accordance with the Group's Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, and HSE standards.

Principal Accountabilities
  • Accountable of ensuring that the requirements and business processes associated with cross-border movements function smoothly and in regulatory compliance, while also ensuring that issues and risks are identified and managed efficiently.
  • In charge of ensuring compliance with U.S. and foreign country government trade laws and customs regulations, which affect the operations of OQ Chemicals Corporation (OQCC).
  • Responsible for advising on the implementation of free trade agreements (FTA) and reviewing current FTAs forms to be in compliance with local / international regulations.
  • Responsible for monitoring the company's export compliance program under applicable U. S. and foreign laws and regulations, including aligning with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), and other domestic and foreign government sanctions and controls, and update management and affected departments where needed.
  • In charge of resolving issues related to issuing of border crossing documents and responsible for handling daily exceptions and facilitating resolutions between internal logistics, external logistics providers, carriers, other international OQ Chemicals affiliates and government authorities. Required to implement corrective actions after internal and/or external investigations, including preparation of disclosures where required.
  • Responsible for directing corrective action as necessary to follow trade compliance measures.
  • Responsible for preparing, reviewing, approving and maintaining files and records for import/export documents and to respond to business partners with timely and accurate information to facilitate customs clearance; necessity to develop and cultivate relationships with external service providers in order to also handle frequent audits and reviews to ensure and facilitate compliance from their end.
  • Accountable for reviewing purchases, sales, and technologies for export control classification and possible license requirements and associated agreements and for managing export licenses, end-use declarations etc. where applicable.
  • In charge of managing compliance with ACE, C-TPAT, AEO and PIP and similar supply chain security programs, if required.
  • Responsible for determining correct product classification, e.g., HTS codes, Schedule B, CCL, etc. In charge of approving of import duties / customs expenses according to import declaration and material tariff code. Knowledgeable about the use of INCO terms.
  • Responsible for OQ duty drawback activities with appropriate broker and create/maintain OQ duty drawback program for OQ supply chain, OQ procurement and end customers.
  • In charge of assisting with educational development and providing general export control and specialized training to OQCC staff.
  • Required to collaborate with sales, supply chain, sourcing, IT, legal, customer service/operations, and other the business stakeholders on export/import requirements and serve as a subject matter expert for relevant customs measures and export control and sanctions matters. Accountable for identifying, implementing and managing duty-drawback procedures and programs.

Education requirements
  • Bachelor 's degree in Business, technical field, law, or equivalent work experience


Background and experience
  • Minimum of three (3) years of related, hands-on trade compliance experience
  • Experience with Import and Export regulations and requirements
  • Experience in logistics, customer relations, supply chain, chemicals and customs

Competencies and skills
  • Strong analytical skills & interpersonal skills with attention to detail
  • Strong problem solving and time management skills
  • Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills in English
  • Excellent communication skills

OQ Chemicals is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Check Out Our Benefits
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
  • Health Equity Health Fund for health and dependent care
  • Disability Benefits
  • Basic Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Paid Time Off for a balanced life
  • Competitive salary, bonus, 401(k) plan with match and profit-sharing match


Your benefits: