Senior Manager, Customs and Trade

About the Role

Openai's approach to customs and trade operations is characterized by a deep commitment to expertise, practical systems thinking, and the application of cutting-edge technology, including governed AI and automation. This not only enables the company to navigate complex regulatory landscapes more effectively but also to scale its operations with greater efficiency and durability. The ideal candidate for this role will be someone who can thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, leveraging their expertise to drive strategic decisions and operational excellence.

The role is based in San Francisco, CA, with Openai adopting a hybrid work model that includes 3 days of in-office work per week. This balance of remote and in-office work reflects the company's commitment to flexibility and work-life balance, recognizing the importance of both collaboration and individual productivity in achieving its goals.

What You Will Do

• Refine and implement Openai's import customs strategy and operating model, ensuring alignment with the company's broader business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain governance frameworks for HTS classification, customs valuation, and country of origin, including standards for decision quality, substantiation, and supplier data management.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, and Strategic Finance teams to design and implement landed-cost, tariff-impact, and importer-structure decision models that support global sourcing and planning.
• Lead the development of broker strategy and operating standards, including performance management, escalation protocols, and execution quality metrics.
• Design and scale import documentation, recordkeeping, and supplier-onboarding processes, focusing on customs-critical data and compliance.
• Work closely with technical and operations teams to support the compliant cross-border movement of development-stage materials and related operational workflows.
• Establish customs-related policies, SOPs, training programs, metrics, SLAs, and escalation paths to enhance execution quality and reduce friction across the import lifecycle.
• Partner with Legal, Tax, and Business teams on origin analysis, tariff monitoring, trade controversy, importer setup, and new market entry strategies.
• Develop internal tooling and AI-enabled workflows to improve customs operations, including triage, document review, knowledge retrieval, and operational reporting.

What We Are Looking For

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in international trade operations, trade law, cross-border e-commerce, or a related field.
• Significant experience (at least 5 years) in leading import customs, trade operations, or a closely related function, preferably in high-technology domains such as electronics, semiconductors, robotics, or advanced hardware manufacturing.
• Deep expertise in trade law, including import classification, customs valuation, country of origin, and prototype and temporary-import frameworks.
• Experience in managing broker relationships, customs compliance, and cross-border execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory issues.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI and automation technologies in trade operations.
• Knowledge of data analytics and its application in customs and trade.
• Certification in customs brokerage or trade compliance.
• Experience with global trade management software and tools.
• Fluency in more than one language, particularly those relevant to Openai's global operations.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a cutting-edge technology company.
• Hybrid remote work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Access to the latest technologies and tools in trade operations and customs compliance.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experts in their fields.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
• Generous PTO and holiday policy.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

• Ensure you have a solid understanding of import customs operations and trade law, as well as experience in managing customs compliance and cross-border execution.
• Highlight any experience you have with AI and automation technologies in trade operations, as this is a key area of interest for Openai.
• Develop a portfolio or examples of your work in refining import customs strategies and operating models, including any successes in reducing friction or improving execution quality.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Procurement, and Legal, to drive strategic decisions and operational excellence.
• Consider negotiating a professional development stipend or additional time off as part of your compensation package, given the company's commitment to employee growth and well-being.
• Research Openai's culture and values to understand how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and objectives.
• Prepare questions about the company's approach to work-life balance, given the hybrid remote work model, and how this impacts collaboration and productivity.