Specialist, Customs Trade

At Five Below our growth is a result of the people who embrace our purpose: We know life is way better when you are free to Let Go & Have Fun in an amazing experience, filled with unlimited possibilities, priced so low, you can always say yes to the newest, coolest stuff! Just ask any of our over 27,000 associates who work at Five Below and they’ll tell you there’s no other place like it. It all starts with our purpose and then, The Five Below Way, which is our values and behaviors that each and every associate believes in.

It’s all about culture at Five Below, making this a place that can inspire you as much as you inspire us with big ideas, super energy, passion, and the ability to make the workplace a WOWplace!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Five Below is seeking a Specialist, Customs & Global Trade to join our Customs & Global Trade Team. 

This position is responsible for supporting end-to-end U.S. import compliance and global trade operations across pre‑clearance, clearance, and post‑clearance activities. This role ensures all Five Below products are import ready, cleared timely and accurately, and compliant with all US Customs and Border Protection and Participating Government Agency requirements and regulations, while maximizing supply chain value and minimizing regulatory risk.

This position will work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to Merchandising, Product Development, Product Compliance, Vendors, Factories, Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Legal Counsel, Ship Centers, etc.

This role is hybrid out of our WowTown headquarters in Philadelphia, PA.

Job Responsibilities

Pre‑Clearance: Maximized Value & Ready for Import

• Maintain subject matter expertise in global trade laws, CBP regulations, pending litigation, and industry trends.
• Develop and maintain import compliance processes aligned with all applicable U.S. import rules and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with CBP and PGA requirements to mitigate risk and avoid penalties, fines, and delays.
• Partner with Product Development and Merchant teams to maximize duty savings and supply chain value.
• Create, maintain, and communicate reference materials, SOPs, and training tools to support compliance and cost-saving initiatives.
• Collaborate with vendors, factories, and agents to ensure products are import‑ready prior to shipment.
• Support the company’s CTPAT program participation, including validations, security profiles, and continuous improvement.

Clearance: Cleared, Moving Along, & Passing the Baton

• Oversee execution of U.S. customs clearance activities and third‑party customs broker operations.
• Ensure accurate, timely documentation and on‑time CBP/PGA filings in partnership with brokers and the Pre‑Clearance team.
• Oversee and maintain compliance with the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Partner closely with International Logistics and Ship Centers to resolve port issues, including CBP inspections and examinations.
• Monitor clearance KPIs and drive improvements in speed, accuracy, and issue resolution.

Post‑Clearance: Concrete Compliance

• Enhance and oversee the internal audit program in alignment with CBP’s Guidance for Developing Internal Controls and Self‑Testing Plans.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts through audits, corrective actions, and mitigation strategies.
• Identify and execute cost‑savings opportunities (e.g., duty recovery, reconciliation, process efficiencies).
• Partner with Pre‑Clearance and Clearance teams to maintain strong internal controls and up‑to‑date SOPs.
• Support CBP inquiries, audits, and prior disclosures as needed.

PREFERRED Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of CBP regulations, PGA requirements, valuation, classification, and country of origin.
• Experience with Trade Programs including FTZ and CTPAT programs.
• Solid background with product classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, including experience with PGAs and sets/kits.  Ability to interpret and apply GRI(s) accurately.
• Team player with a positive energy, attitude, and growth mindset
• Experience communicating and providing excellent customer service to stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred or equivalent experience and training directly related to the role’s responsibilities
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience working in Global Trade Compliance or Import related field

• Experience in retail industry or importing similar products
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) and/or Licensed Customs Broker (LCB)

• Experience with Global Trade Management (GTM) software

SKILLS

• Excellent communication skills to articulate information with the appropriate audience
• Microsoft Office products (i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, etc.)
• Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to change directions quickly and adapt to new situations
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Explore our benefits site to discover all the perks and support we offer! From health coverage to financial and personal wellness, we've got you covered—check it out today! benefits.fivebelow.com/public/welcome

Five Below is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Five Below is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please submit a request and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. crewservices.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

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