JobsMotorola Solutions

Import Trade Operations Lead

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Aug 21, 2025 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you found an error in an HTS classification that had already been in use. What did you do about it?

whether they proactively catch compliance risk and handle correction, including any disclosure obligations

Describe a time you disagreed with a customs broker about how to handle a shipment issue. How did you resolve it?

ability to manage the broker relationship as a peer expert rather than deferring blindly

Tell me about a time you had to explain a complex compliance requirement to a non-trade team, like purchasing or finance, who didn't understand why it mattered.

communication skill and ability to get buy-in from people outside the trade function

Tell me about a time an internal or external audit uncovered a compliance gap. How did you fix the underlying process, not just the one instance?

systems thinking and follow-through versus one-off firefighting

Technical

Walk me through how you would classify a new communications device under the HTS when the product doesn't fit neatly into an existing category.

whether the candidate has real hands-on classification methodology, not just familiarity with the concept

How do you stay current with changes to 19 CFR and other trade compliance regulations, and can you give an example of a recent change you had to act on?

genuine ongoing regulatory engagement versus a canned answer about reading newsletters

What's your process for reviewing import documentation for accuracy before it goes to CBP, and what kinds of errors do you most often catch?

depth of actual documentation review experience versus surface-level knowledge

Have you worked with Foreign Trade Zones or duty drawback programs? Walk me through a specific situation where you applied that knowledge.

whether the preferred qualifications are real experience or just familiarity with the terms

How would you determine country of origin for a product assembled from parts sourced in multiple countries?

practical grasp of origin rules versus reciting the concept

What's your experience with USMCA qualification, and how would you verify whether a product actually meets the requirements versus just assuming it does?

rigor and skepticism when applying trade agreement rules rather than taking shortcuts

Situational

Say CBP flags an import for a post-entry review and asks for documentation you don't have on hand. What's your first move?

composure and process knowledge under audit pressure, not just theoretical audit familiarity

You're juggling an urgent shipment clearance issue, a broker escalation, and a deadline for value reconciliation filings, all in the same afternoon. How do you decide what comes first?

real-world prioritization under competing deadlines, a named pain point in the posting

If you noticed a pattern of misclassification that could mean the company has been underpaying duties for months, how would you handle raising that internally?

integrity and judgment on self-disclosure and escalation in a high-stakes compliance scenario

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The full job description

As published by Motorola Solutions.

Company Overview ​ At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We’re a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. Our critical communications, video security and command center technologies support public safety agencies and enterprises alike, enabling the coordination that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals and safer businesses. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future. Department Overview The Global Logistics and Trade Operations department supports the transport, import, and export operations for all MSI sites. Import Trade Operations is responsible for Import declarations, compliance, and procedures aligned to Government Customs requirements. This position is part of the Supply Chain Procurement Team in the Product Procurement Organization. Job Description Motorola Solutions is building talent pipelines to meet future hiring demands. This is a pipeline role, while there is not an immediate opening, we want to build relationships with prospective candidates like you. If your background is a match to our requirements, we’ll follow up with an exploratory conversation. NOTE: This is a hybrid role - Candidate must reside in the Chicagoland area with the ability to work from the office. Summary: The Import Trade Operations Lead is a critical role responsible for ensuring the company's strict adherence to all U.S. and Canada import regulations and compliance standards. This position demands a highly experienced professional with a comprehensive understanding of import operations, HTS classification, and customs brokerage procedures. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and support to internal teams and external partners to facilitate the smooth and compliant import of goods. Key Responsibilities: • Compliance Management: Manage and ensure full compliance with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, as well as those of other relevant government agencies (OGAs). • HTS Classification: Review, audit, and maintain accurate U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications for imported products. • Documentation Review: Thoroughly review and analyze import documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory requirements. • Financial Reporting: Prepare financial information and documentation for value reconciliation filings. • Customs Broker Liaison: Collaborate with customs brokers to resolve import-related issues, ensure timely clearance of goods, and optimize import processes. • Audit Support: Assist in preparing for and participating in internal and external audits, post-entry reviews, and compliance assessments. • Regulatory Expertise: Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of 19 CFR regulations and other relevant trade compliance legislation. • Communication & Collaboration: Effectively communicate with internal teams (e.g., purchasing, logistics, finance) and external partners (e.g., customs brokers, freight forwarders) regarding import logistics and compliance matters. • Prioritization & Time Management: Effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Qualifications: • Minimum of 5 years of experience in trade compliance, with a strong focus on import logistics and compliance operations. • A current and valid U.S. Customs Broker License is required. • In-depth understanding of U.S. import customs regulations, HTS classification, customs valuation, and OGA requirements. • Proven expertise in HTS classification and the ability to accurately classify a wide range of products. • Documentation Analysis: Demonstrated ability to meticulously review and analyze import documents to ensure compliance. • Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex information. • Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines effectively. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ). • Knowledge of Duty Drawback programs. • Expertise in Country of Origin determination. • Familiarity with Incoterms. • Understanding of USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and other trade programs. • Familiarity with export logistics and operations. #LI-AB1 LI-HYBRD Target Base Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 USD Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. Basic Requirements • 5+ years of experience in trade compliance or similar business disciplines. • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required. Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position. Travel Requirements None Relocation Provided None Position Type Experienced Referral Payment Plan No Our U.S. Benefits include: • Incentive Bonus Plans • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits • 401K • 10 Paid Holidays • Generous Paid Time Off Packages • Employee Stock Purchase Plan • Paid Parental & Family Leave • and more! EEO Statement Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.  We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you’d like to join our team but feel that you don’t quite meet all of the preferred skills, we’d still love to hear why you think you’d be a great addition to our team. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete this  Reasonable Accommodations Form  so we can assist you.

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