Director, Customs Brokerage
Position is remote with travel up to 25% of the time.
About Ascent Ascent Global Logistics, headquartered in Belleville, Michigan, is a leading global provider of expedited, time-critical logistics solutions and other direct transportation services. The company connects customers to its extensive carrier network, internal ground fleet and airline via its proprietary, digital PEAK freight marketplace, which provides robust carrier capacity and transparent pricing, backed by 24/7/365 logistics experts. Ascent’s offerings include air charter and ground expedited solutions as well as truckload, less-than-truckload, global forwarding, brokerage, and managed transportation services. The experienced Ascent team solves customers’ most challenging logistics needs by providing industry-leading service and top-tier satisfaction. Our Guiding Principles At the core of Ascent's culture is a strong commitment to excellence, driven by the passion and dedication of every team member. We're equally dedicated to going above and beyond for our customers, ensuring this commitment extends beyond our team and brings exceptional value to those we serve. We aim for perfect execution in everything we do and ‘play hard’ by creating an environment where tasks are performed with a can-do attitude from start to finish. We ‘play smart’ by delivering on our commitments in an honest, fair and ethical manner. We treat every person with whom we interface with the utmost dignity and respect. We understand that our teammates are our most valuable assets, so we ‘play together’ by making every effort to provide a professional and enjoyable experience, enabling careers to flourish and personal growth to be achieved. What You’ll Do The Director, Customs Brokerage oversees the performance, compliance, and daily execution of Ascent’s U.S. customs brokerage network, ensuring regulatory adherence, process discipline, and an exceptional customer experience Lead the day-to-day execution, performance, and compliance of the company’s U.S. customs brokerage network. Oversee bonded facilities, including Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), Container Freight Stations (CFS), and bonded warehouses. Ensure operational consistency, regulatory adherence, and service excellence across multiple sites. Drive continuous improvement initiatives within customs brokerage and bonded operations. Support and execute strategic initiatives set by executive leadership. Serve as a key operational leader, translating strategy into actionable plans. Strengthen process discipline across brokerage and bonded operations. Ensure operations deliver accuracy, speed, and an exceptional customer experience. What You’ll Bring High school diploma or general education degree (GED) LCB Required; CCS / CES preferred 8–10 years of progressive experience in customs brokerage and international freight forwarding, including direct oversight of import and export operations. Proven people leadership experience, including 3+ years managing customer- or carrier-facing teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Demonstrated expertise in U.S. and international trade compliance, including customs clearance processes, government agency requirements, and risk management. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using data to identify trends, drive process improvements, and resolve complex customs issues. Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with customs authorities, carriers, vendors, and key customers, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and professionalism. Proficiency with customs and trade compliance systems and common business tools (e.g., TMS, ERP, Microsoft Office), with a comfort level learning new technology. Demonstrated capability to design, implement, and refine standard operating procedures to improve accuracy, cycle time, and compliance in brokerage operations. Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex regulatory concepts for internal stakeholders and customers. Ascent’s Competitive Benefits 401(k) and employer matching Life Insurance Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Short- & Long-Term Disability Paid Time Off (PTO) Employee Assistance Program Paid Parental Leave Employee Wellness Program Paid Holidays Employee Recognition Programs Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Tuition Reimbursement Health Savings Account (HSA) Overtime, Differential & Bonus Pay #LI-Remote Salary Range: $160,000 - $175,000 Apply To This Job