TPS Group Holdings, a family of brands including The Paper Store and Uncharted, is all about transforming daily routines into joyful escapes that inspire and surprise. Our mission is to connect with every customer through carefully chosen products, immersive shopping experiences, and service that goes the extra mile—creating a space that sparks joy with every visit.

The Import Logistics & Compliance Specialist will contribute in managing the end-to-end import process for all international shipments, ensuring timely delivery, compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations, and cost optimization. This role will work cross-functionally with vendors, freight forwarders, customs brokers, internal stakeholders, and government agencies to ensure the seamless flow of goods from origin to final destination.

The Import Logistics & Compliance Specialist reports directly to the Director of Supply Chain & Logistics.

COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of corporate responsibility. Takes personal ownership and responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Ensures that actions are consistent with words.
• Communication: Communicates information with consistency and clarity; uses active listening to effectively understand and provide feedback. Adjusts communication style to suit the audience to promote engagement and increase understanding.
• Creativity and Initiative: Forward-thinking, recognizes opportunities and finds new ways of doing things and implements improvements whenever possible. Encourages creativity and innovation.
• Professionalism: Maintains a professional and positive manner even under changing or uncertain conditions. Works well with a wide range of individuals to provide support, encouragement and direction. Engages others to accomplish organizational and departmental goals. Is seen as a role model.
• Personal Development: Displays self-awareness, a high level of energy, persistence and a positive outlook. Continuously seeks ways to improve and learns from mistakes and constructive feedback.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be a TPS brand ambassador
• Logistics & Operations
  • Coordinate and manage international shipments under the Direct Import Program (DI) and Vendor Managed Direct Import (VMDI), managing 200+ containers per year.
  • Partner with customs brokers and overseas agents on all shipments moved via ocean, air, and ground freight. Including tracking, resolution on delays, carrier issues, and exceptions proactively (i.e., CBP exams).
  • Track and manage all inbound shipments to ensure on-time delivery and clear communication with internal teams.
  • Support negotiation and optimization of freight and drayage costs while maintaining service levels and on-time delivery.
• Trade Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
  • Manage adherence to compliance with U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), CPSC, FDA, and other relevant government agencies.
  • Ensure imports comply with customs laws, trade regulations, and international trade agreements. This includes compliance with safety, labeling, and environmental regulations (i.e., Lacey Act, Fish & Wildlife Certificate, etc.)
  • Classify imported goods using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), ensuring accurate product coding and duty payments.
  • Maintain and update product details with accurate tariff codes, country of origin, valuation, and import documentation.
  • Monitor and implement changes related to trade agreements (e.g., Section 301 tariffs, USMCA).
  • Partner with customs brokers to ensure proper clearance and duty minimization strategies.
  • Manage and oversee product inspections with overseas suppliers and third-party audit company to ensure high quality saleable goods. This includes determining specifications for approvals/rejections.
  • Manage supplier audits to ensure and verify ethical labor practices.
  • Stay current on regulatory changes affecting imports, including tariffs, embargoes, and trade sanctions.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Review and manage import documentation, including, but not limited to, commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
  • Support DI team in Landed Cost Analysis by providing shipment data, duty rates, freight quotes, and other import-related fees to finance or planning teams to support accurate landed cost modeling and margin analysis.
  • Generate reports on import activity, costs, and compliance KPIs for leadership.
  • Maintain accurate import records for audit readiness and internal reporting.
• Stakeholder Coordination
  • Liaise with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and regulatory agencies, as necessary.
  • Collaborate with Buying and Planning teams, and relevant external partners, to prioritize inbound orders and/or products based on product launches, promotional calendars, and inventory needs, ensuring critical shipments receive appropriate attention and expedited handling if needed.
  • Coordinate with the Distribution Center to share inbound shipment details, communicate delays, prioritize unloading based on inventory needs, resolve import-related receiving issues, and provide accurate documentation to ensure efficient and compliant receiving operations.
  • Partner with Finance by providing cost, compliance, and customs insights to support budgeting, cash flow management, risk mitigation, and strategic sourcing decisions.
  • Participate in cross-departmental initiatives aimed at improving import processes, cost savings, or compliance accuracy—such as system upgrades/implementation, vendor routing guide updates, or duty savings programs.
  • Maintain regular attendance and demonstrate active participation in all scheduled meetings, contributing ideas, providing feedback, and staying engaged throughout discussions.
• Risk Management, Cost Control, & Process Improvement
  • Identify cost savings opportunities in freight, duties, tariffs, audits, container utilization, and process.
  • Implement processes and/or change existing processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness in import operations.
  • Train internal teams on, included but not limited to, import compliance policies, freight terms, and best practices.
  • Identify opportunities to improve landed cost, lead times, and import efficiency through proactive vendor and logistics coordination.
• Complete all other tasks assigned by management within the allotted time frames

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, International Business, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in import logistics, preferably in a retail or consumer goods environment.
• Strong understanding of U.S. import regulations and customs compliance.
• Proficiency in HTS classification, INCOTERMS, and trade documentation.
• Experience with ERP, WMS, and TMS systems; knowledge of Aptos ERP/WMS, Aptean TMS, or similar a plus.
• Proficiency in math, and data tools such as Excel, Microsoft Suite and Power Point and process management tools
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a highlight on communication, both written and verbal, and collaboration skills across internal and external teams.
• A team player attitude, including willingness to pivot as business or process needs change and willingness to assist others to meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated explorer with independent problem-solving skills
• Preferred Certification (a plus, not required): Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)
• Willing and available to travel (if needed), including overseas
• Ability to work 4+ days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA
• Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance