Logistics and Customs Manager

Company Overview

Vulcan Elements manufactures American rare-earth permanent magnets, contributing to national security and economic stability by serving industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive. The company is dedicated to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence, and Transparency.

Job Overview

The Logistics and Customs Manager will oversee daily logistics and trade compliance for domestic and international operations supporting U.S. magnet production. This role ensures the secure, compliant, and efficient transportation of raw materials and finished products, collaborating with internal departments and external logistics partners to support production schedules, client deliveries, and growth goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily inbound and outbound logistics to guarantee timely and cost-efficient handling of materials and goods.
• Manage transportation, warehousing, customs compliance, and import/export activities aligned with manufacturing needs.
• Implement and maintain global trade compliance programs adhering to ITAR, EAR, U.S. Customs laws, HTS classifications, country of origin, and valuation rules.
• Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and third-party logistics providers to ensure reliability, regulatory compliance, and cost control.
• Coordinate all import/export documentation, customs filings, and accurate recordkeeping for cross-border shipments.
• Support tariff management and duty optimization initiatives, aiming to enhance logistics cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
• Manage packaging standards for inbound and outbound shipments to protect product integrity and optimize shipping.
• Collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Customer Operations, and Data Informatics to improve logistics workflows, shipment tracking, and overall performance.
• Monitor logistics KPIs to identify and drive improvements in delivery schedules, inventory flow, transportation expenses, and compliance adherence.
• Assist in warehouse and distribution planning to meet manufacturing expansion and customer needs.
• Stay informed on international trade regulations, tariffs, and customs requirements, updating operations accordingly.
• Support audit activities related to logistics and trade compliance both internally and externally.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in logistics, supply chain, transportation, or international trade compliance within manufacturing sectors such as advanced materials, aerospace, automotive, battery, or industrial production.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience managing logistics operations, teams, transportation, and customs functions.
• Solid understanding of global trade compliance regulations including ITAR, EAR, U.S. Customs requirements, HTS classifications, import/export documentation, and rules of origin.
• Experience with ERP/MRP, Transportation Management Systems, Warehouse Management Systems, and Global Trade Management software platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Logistics, or related field.
• Licensed Customs Broker preferred.
• Must be a U.S. Person to access export-controlled information or facilities.

Additional Information

The outlined duties may evolve as business requirements change. This position requires physical presence at the Durham, NC site to manage on-site logistics and compliance responsibilities.