Senior Manager, Customs

LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate all that this city and country have to offer, delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and our community.

The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and Los Ange-les’ third time hosting an Olympic Games and first time welcoming the Paralympic Games. This presents the unique and exciting opportunity to celebrate our legacy with the Games and push the Olympic and Paralympic Movements forward, writing a new chapter of Games history in Los Angeles.

Putting on an Olympic and Paralympic Games is a team sport. To build a Games unlike any the world has seen before, we need the best team in place–a team full of diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise. We are guided by the following set of values and behaviors–optimism, integrity, excellence, inclusion, co-creation and boldness–and look forward to hearing about how your past experiences align with them.

 

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance for any positions. If you are based outside the Los Angeles area, we still welcome your application — we value talent from all geographic backgrounds and want to hear from you if you are able to work on-site in LA.

 

Senior Manager, Customs

Role Purpose

 

The Olympic and Paralympic Games depend on thousands of specialized shipments — sporting equipment, broadcast technology, and tightly regulated goods — clearing U.S. customs on time and fully compliant. As Senior Manager, Customs, you will establish and run the customs clearance operation that moves this cargo in the years leading up to the Games, translating complex trade law into clear guidance and leading the specialists who keep freight moving.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day clearance of Games-related shipments as the subject-matter expert, interpreting CBP rulings, international trade law, and regulations into clear guidance for internal teams and leadership.

• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) to clear specialized and highly regulated cargo.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of customs coordinators and specialists across entry types, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification, valuation, and documentation.

• Establish tracking strategies for every Games shipment, then analyze customs data and metrics that inform the Head of Customs' freight and carrier strategies.

• Serve as the first escalation point for customs issues, delays, and compliance questions, resolving them quickly and escalating critical strategic matters to the Head of Customs & Freight Forwarding.

 

Required Competencies

 

• 7+ years of progressive experience in customs brokerage, global trade, or international logistics.

• Deep technical expertise differentiating between Temporary Entries and Consumption Entries, with strong command of Incoterms, tariff classification, and trade compliance.

• A proven track record of coordinating directly with state and federal government agencies (PGAs) to clear specialized or highly regulated goods.

• Strong analytical skills to interpret and translate complex CBP rulings, laws, and regulations into clear business guidance, including how federal regulations affect state-level tax liabilities such as CA use tax.

• Proven leadership experience and excellent communication skills that convey complex customs information to technical and non-technical audiences.

 

Valued Experience

• A valid U.S. Customs Broker License (preferred, not required).

• Experience clearing cargo for large-scale events or time-critical shipments.

 

What We Offer

• A rare opportunity to establish a customs and trade-compliance operation for one of the world's largest logistics efforts, with direct exposure to senior leadership and cross-functional Games teams.

• Transferable experience solving complex, high-stakes trade problems at scale, with the earned pride of contributing to a historic Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

 

What This Role Means for the Games

 

• Every regulated shipment that crosses the border must clear customs correctly for the Games to take place, so your work — ensuring cargo arrives on time and in compliance — is a foundation the delivery effort depends on.

 

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

 

• Available to work onsite in our Downtown Los Angeles-based office.

• The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment.

• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment; employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment.

• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods.

• Perform other duties as required; the role will evolve over time and may include operational responsibilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

Compensation

 

The annual base salary range for this position is $105,000 - $125,000. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28's operational business needs and applicable law.

 

LA28 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let your recruiter know so we can support you.

 

LA28 is committed to fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.