Trade Compliance Analyst

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

The Opportunity

At Designer Brands, our global supply chain depends on accuracy, partnership, and a commitment to doing things the right way. As a Trade Compliance Analyst, you'll play an important role in helping ensure our products move efficiently and compliantly across borders while supporting business goals and minimizing risk.

In this role, you'll combine your analytical expertise, compliance knowledge, and problem-solving skills to help maintain the integrity of our import and export operations. You'll work across functions, collaborate with external partners, and use data-driven insights to identify opportunities for process improvement, strengthen compliance programs, and support operational excellence.

If you enjoy digging into complex data, solving challenges, and making a measurable impact on a global business, this is an opportunity to build your expertise while contributing to a highly collaborative team.

What You'll Be Doing

Trade Compliance & Audit Management

• Perform and maintain records of risk-based import audits to support compliance with U.S. and Canadian import regulations, including:
  • Country of Origin (COO)
  • U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications
  • CBSA product classifications
  • Free trade agreements
  • Customs valuation requirements
  • Duty savings programs, including First Sale for Export
• Identify compliance gaps and partner with stakeholders to develop and implement corrective action plans.
• Maintain audit records related to customs broker performance, investigate root causes of errors, and support ongoing process improvements.
• Oversee export compliance activities in partnership with Logistics and International teams.

Customs Data & Classification

• Maintain and monitor critical customs compliance data, including MID, HTS, COO, and related trade information.
• Conduct HTS product reviews to support accurate classification, production planning, scheduling, and landed cost optimization.
• Manage post-summary corrections and maintain accurate tracking of all correction activities.
• Partner with Finance regarding subsequent payments, refunds, and customs-related adjustments.

Risk Analysis & Financial Compliance

• Manage duty payment reporting, processing, and approvals.
• Conduct annual macro-level analyses comparing vendor payments to customs entered values.
• Review General Ledger accounts, subsequent vendor payments, fees, and charges to ensure accurate customs valuation.
• Analyze large data sets to identify trends, discrepancies, data integrity concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to investigate and resolve data-related issues.

Reporting, Training & Partnership

• Support the preparation of monthly and quarterly trade compliance reporting.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on customs compliance and classification requirements.
• Build strong partnerships across Finance, Logistics, International teams, customs brokers, and external service providers to support compliant and efficient trade operations.
• Participate in special projects and perform additional related responsibilities as needed.

What You'll Need

Experience & Education

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience in Customs Audit, Compliance, Classification, or related trade compliance experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Customs Broker.
• Experience working with ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) data and reporting.
• Footwear classification experience.

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), Customs Federal Regulations (19 CFR), customs entry processes, valuation methodologies, and informed compliance practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and spreadsheet-based analysis.

Skills for Success

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex information and identify compliance risks.
• Ability to translate findings into meaningful business impacts and actionable recommendations.
• Effective problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across teams.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new processes, regulations, and tools.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to exercising reasonable care and professional judgment in all aspects of trade compliance activities.