Cole Johnson
River Falls,WI
Summary
As a working professional in international trade, I have several years of experience managing import/export operations and ensuring compliance with customs and international trade laws. In addition to holding my U.S. Customs Broker License, I am a Certified Export Compliance Professional (ECoP®) in both the EAR and ITAR, and a Certified Sanctions Specialist (CSS). My working knowledge spans various industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, and industrial supplies. Leveraging my knowledge and experience, I enable organizations to streamline their supply chains, optimize logistics, mitigate risks, identify cost savings, and ensure compliance with international trade laws.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Specialist, Global Trade Compliance
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
02.2023 - Current
- Providing strategy and oversight for Takeda’s non-clinical research and clinical trial shipments.
- Subject matter expert for interpreting laws and regulations pertaining to: US, EU and AT customs and export controls, and various sanctions regimes and programs.
- Trade compliance lead for guiding operations and other trade compliance team members in PGA requirements (USDA, CDC, FWS, EPA, etc.). Responsible for creating processes, flowcharts, and other resources to materialize regulatory requirements for business.
- Determining select local HTS classifications; determining ECCN classifications and licensing requirements for US exports. FDA product code classifications and other information required for the import/export clearance process, globally. Determining applicability and use of FTAs. Customs valuation for research samples, clinical trial materials, and non-inventory shipments.
- Responsible for developing and training other trade compliance and import-export operations specialist in regulatory interpretation, HTS classification, valuation, country of origin determination, and U.S. export controls. Auditing and training import-export operations managers and specialists, for import export activities.
Global Trade Analyst, Import/Export
Medtronic
11.2021 - 02.2023
- Managing daily execution of Medtronic's global Harmonized Schedule classifications, select local HTS classifications, and ECCN classifications. Reviewing applicability of sectoral sanctions, BIS licensing requirements and exceptions.
- Leveraging technology and data trends to automate product classifications for local APAC, EMEA, and Americas HTS; utilizing automation for ECCN classification of low risk items and parts.
- Performing HTS and ECCN classification for non-inventory shipments.
- Providing export controls training to global trade analysts, managers, and upper leadership.
International Trade Compliance Coordinator
Bio-Techne
09.2021 - 11.2021
- Providing support in trade compliance functions, by guiding international sales, customer service, logistics, and other business units in the movement and distribution of products.
- Additionally, aiding the business in adhering to the regulatory requirements of the WTO and other trade authorities. Liaison between business and various international SBUs and distribution partners.
- HTS and ECCN classification; Country of Origin determination; obtaining USDA permits and FDA export certifications.
- Database creation and maintenance, in order to ensure both compliance and efficiency in export and international import operations.
Import/Export Specialist
Bio-Techne
08.2020 - 09.2021
- Supporting the business by coordinating regulatory trade compliance functions, in support of operational functions related to importing and exporting activities.
- Creating animal origin affidavits and Certificates of Origin; obtaining USDA health certificates and any other pertinent documents required for exports and global imports.
- Product classification including HTS and ECCN, as well as deciding which PGA releases must be obtained in order to complete the clearance process. Maintenance of the import and export document retention program; communication with carriers relevant to clearance for import; maintenance of schedules for renovation of FWS Import permits, DEA and FDA registrations, etc.
Export Customer Experience Specialist
Grainger
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Working with Grainger sales partners, export compliance and transportation to process quotes, orders, trade data, etc. Facilitating transportation for domestic, global, and government export customers.
- Booking international shipments, both air and ocean. Determination of proper INCO terms; product ECCN screening and licensing requirements. Performing new customer account screening and setup.
Senior Customer Account Representative
Grainger
06.2016 - 08.2018
- Managing larger contract customers interactions with Grainger. This includes everything under the order to cash process, whether that be creating this process from start to finish with the customer, or improving it.
- In most cases once everything in the order to cash process is fully integrated to work with the customer’s resources, this process is documented and taught to other Grainger Employees who can handle most interactions with the customer going forward.
Education
BBA - Organizational Management
University of Minnesota
Duluth05-2015
Skills
- US Code & CFR Compliance (15, 19, 21, 31, etc)
- Export Controls and Sanctions (classification, licensing, exceptions)
- HTS Classification, Customs Valuation, Country of Origin, and Special Duty Provisions
- US PGA Regulations and Requirements
- Developing SOPs, Process Maps, Flowcharts
- International Logistics and Incoterms
- ERP and GTM Systems Proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Certification
• Licensed Customs Broker – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Export Compliance Professional – EAR/ITAR (ECoP®) – Export Compliance Training Institute
• Certified Sanctions Specialist (CSS) – Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Six Sigma Global Institute
Timeline
Senior Specialist, Global Trade Compliance
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
02.2023 - Current
Global Trade Analyst, Import/Export
Medtronic
11.2021 - 02.2023
International Trade Compliance Coordinator
Bio-Techne
09.2021 - 11.2021
Import/Export Specialist
Bio-Techne
08.2020 - 09.2021
Export Customer Experience Specialist
Grainger
08.2018 - 08.2020
Senior Customer Account Representative
Grainger
06.2016 - 08.2018
BBA - Organizational Management
University of Minnesota
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