International Trade Specialist

Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members, while maintaining our family values and entrepreneurial spirit. With corporate offices in New York and Pennsylvania and 8 manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada, the companies within the First Quality group produce high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations. Our personal care and household product portfolio includes baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions. In addition, we manufacture certain raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of these products, including flexible print and packaging solutions.

Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you’ll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better®.

We are seeking an International Trade Compliance Specialist for First Quality Consumer Products located in McElhattan, PA. This position will ensure that the company’s import and export activities comply with all applicable U.S. and international trade laws including, EAR, ITAR, OFAC, and partner government agency requirements. Responsible for managing all aspects of global logistics, customs compliance, documentation, financial impacts, and risks for raw materials, machinery, components, and finished goods. This role is crucial for ensuring timely delivery, minimizing delays, and maintaining compliance with global trade regulations.

Principal Accountabilities/ Responsibilities:

• Manage the import and export process of raw materials, machinery, parts, and finished goods aligned with production schedules.
• Ensure compliance with all international trade regulations, U.S. and foreign customs laws, and manufacturing-specific import/export requirements.
• Prepare, verify, and maintain shipping and customs documentation, including invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
• Work closely with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and 3PL partners to coordinate timely and cost-effective global shipments.
• Collaborate with internal teams—procurement, production, quality, warehousing, legal, and product development to assess trade compliance implications of new products or markets —to align logistics with supply chain needs.
• Track shipments in real time and proactively resolve any issues with customs clearance or logistics delays.
• Optimize logistics operations and reduce transportation costs through vendor negotiation and process improvements.
• Develop strategic international strategies to deliver the lowest cost options while limiting risk of finished goods sales as well as raw materials and machinery procurement.
• Maintain records in accordance with company policy and support internal and government audits as needed.
• Stay informed of changes in tariffs, sanctions, and other trade compliance requirements.
• Obtain and manage import/export licenses, certificates, and permits (including, but not limited to, customs bonds and powers of attorney) as required.
• Manage international partner relationships and well as implement a network of partners that supports all First Quality requirements
• Develop and deliver training programs for staff on international trade compliance policies and procedures
• Assist with internal audits, risk assessments, and corrective actions to mitigate compliance risks.

Education and experience requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in import/export operations, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Incoterms, HTS classification, and global trade regulations.
• Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, or equivalent.
• Experience with customs documentation, shipping procedures, and international logistics.
• Excellent problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Skills/competencies requirements:

• Licensed Customer Broker, required
• Certified Internal Trade Professional, preferred
• Certified Export Specialist (CES), preferred

** Travel to plants expected with a target of 20% or less**

What We Offer You

We believe that by continuously improving the quality of our benefits, we can help to raise the quality of life for our team members and their families. At First Quality you will receive:

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
• Paid time off (three-week minimum)
• Medical, dental and vision starting day one
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave
• Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500)
• Bundle of joy benefit (year's worth of free diapers to all team members with a new baby)
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums
• ...and more!