Director of International Logistics

The Director of International Logistics is responsible for all aspects of international logistics and compliance for the Guitar Center Company enterprise wide. This role ensures the efficient, timely, and cost-effective movement of goods across international borders while maintaining full compliance with global trade regulations. The Director leads strategic initiatives to optimize key performance indicators (KPIs), enhance operational efficiency, and improve financial outcomes. Additionally, this role drives continuous improvement efforts and long-term strategic planning to support the company’s global logistics objectives.

 

Qualifications

 

Major responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties, assignments and specific projects may be assigned at the discretion of executive management.

International Logistics Management

• Develop strategy and budgets to ensure an uninterrupted flow of imports and exports to deliver financial and performance based KPI’s.
• Work cross functionally with business partners within the Supply Chain as well as the Private Brand Team, Inventory Management, Merchants, and Finance across all brands and channels to ensure alignment, and continuous improvement in KPI’s.
• Direct all aspects of inbound and outbound international shipments.
• Optimize routing, carrier selection, and mode of transport to balance cost and service.
• Lead container load planning and consolidation initiatives to drive efficiency.
• Negotiate international contracts and service-level agreements.
• Partner with eCommerce and retail teams to evolve international shipping strategies.

Customs Compliance

• Working with the team, ensure accurate product classification (HTS), customs entry accuracy, and ISF compliance.
• Maintain and audit Customs files per U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.
• Ensure Tier II C-TPAT compliance and readiness for audits.
• Manage U.S. Customs audits and interface with legal, brokers, and government agencies.
• Expand export compliance capabilities and maintain low-risk importer status.
• Lead the Duty Drawback program and USMCA compliance processes.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead a cross-functional team of compliance and logistics professionals.
• Foster collaboration across departments to align logistics initiatives with broader business goals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert to supply chain leadership and other business unit heads.
• Provide clear and consistent communication to senior management on compliance risks and mitigation plans.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Advanced knowledge of international logistics, import/export regulations, and documentation.
• Understanding U.S. Customs regulations, NAFTA/USMCA, ISF, C-TPAT, FDA, FCC, Fish & Wildlife, and other OGA requirements.
• Experience with HTS classification, duty management, protests, disclosures, and rulings.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Capable of managing both operational tasks and long-term strategic projects concurrently.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and organizational skill.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, International Trade, or a related field required.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in international logistics.

• Proven managerial experience, including leading cross-functional teams and vendor negotiations.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.