Japan Trade Expert
Lumentum · Sagamihara
It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Lumentum is seeking a dynamic Japan Trade Expert to help drive the company's Global Trade strategy in Japan. This position sits within Lumentum's Global Trade Organization, part of the Legal team, and serves as the primary country-level trade authority supporting Japan's import and export compliance, trade operations, customs activities, and related trade processes.
This high-impact role will lead Japan trade operations and support implementation of Lumentum's Global Trade program, ensuring compliance with Japanese customs regulations, export controls, sanctions, and other applicable global trade laws. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience managing trade operations in Japan and can translate regulatory requirements into practical business solutions that enable operational excellence.
Operational Trade & Logistics Support
- Execute end-to-end import and export operations for Japan, including customs processes, documentation, licensing, and trade compliance.
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert in Japan on global trade matters.
- Oversee customs broker performance, establish service expectations, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and monitor trade operations KPIs to improve compliance, customs performance, cost, and cycle time.
- Partner with manufacturing, procurement, supply chain, logistics, customer service, and customs brokers to resolve trade issues, support shipment execution, mitigate supply chain risks, and support new product introductions and business continuity.
- Manage domestic and international transportation, warehousing, and shipping activities to ensure on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and uninterrupted supply for manufacturing, R&D, and customer fulfillment for Lumentum Japan site
- Optimize freight spend, carrier performance, inventory movement, and logistics processes using data analytics and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Execute import compliance activities, including HS classification, customs valuation, country of origin, import licensing, and customs recordkeeping.
- Execute export compliance activities, including export classifications, licensing, sanctions, and end-use/end-user due diligence necessary to comply with Japanese FEFTA export control requirements.
- Support implementation and execution of U.S. reexport compliance requirements.
- Monitor, interpret, and advise the business on Japanese customs regulations, Japanese export control requirements, and other trade laws affecting Japan operations.
- Serve as the primary interface with Japan Customs on customs matters and with METI on export control licensing, audits, inquiries, and other regulatory matters.
- Lead investigations and corrective actions relating to customs, export control, and other trade compliance matters while providing practical guidance that supports business continuity.
Program Development & Governance
- Support deployment of Lumentum's Global Trade program within Japan.
- Develop and deliver trade compliance training covering import compliance, customs requirements and export controls.
- Maintain strong relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, government authorities, and external advisors.
- Maintain country-specific procedures and work instructions.
Innovation & Strategic Contribution
- Champion automation and digital solutions to improve trade compliance and operational efficiency.
- Advise local leadership on new product introductions, sourcing changes, manufacturing transfers, and supply chain initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to simplify trade processes while strengthening compliance.
- Support regional and global Global Trade initiatives and share best practices.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in international trade, export controls, customs compliance, import/export operations in Japan, with manufacturing industry or semiconductor experience preferred.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Proficiency in English required.
- Strong knowledge of Japan Customs regulations, FEFTA export controls, and import/export procedures.
- Experience managing customs brokers and freight forwarders.
- Demonstrated ability to balance compliance with business objectives.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills in a multinational environment.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Please contact us to request accommodation.