Tariff Classification Manager

John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission-critical flow control solutions for energy and process industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations. Our products include mechanical seals and systems, couplings, bearings, filtration systems, and predictive digital monitoring technologies. 

We have a global network of more than 200 sites in over 50 countries and employ more than 6,000 people worldwide. We partner with our customers to help them keep their operations safe, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and meet the latest environmental standards. 

John Crane is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, helping to create a safer, more efficient, productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defence, space & aerospace, and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs approximately 16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries. 

• Lead the review and validation of product master data for tariff and ECCN classification.
• Support the migration of classification data from SAP Production to SAP GTS.
• Collaborate with BIS (IT department) to define business requirements and support system configuration.
• Implement and manage filtration logic to ensure only relevant data is submitted to the classification engine.
• Oversee classification accuracy and maintain documentation for audit purposes.
• Coordinate with regional compliance leads to ensure country-specific regulatory alignment.
• Provide feedback and continuous improvement recommendations for classification engine performance.
• Support training and change management initiatives related to classification processes.

• Must-Have Expertise

  
  

  Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in:

  
  
• Tariff Classification:
  • Deep understanding of the Harmonized System (HS) and HTS codes.
  • Practical application of the General Interpretative Rules (GIRs 1–6) for classification.
  • Ability to interpret chapter notes, subheading notes, and section notes to determine correct classification.
  • Experience in handling complex assemblies, kits, and multi-material components.
• Export Control Classification (ECCN):
  • Strong working knowledge of EAR (Export Administration Regulations) and Commerce Control List (CCL).
  • Ability to determine ECCN using technical specifications, product functionality, and control parameters.
  • Familiarity with dual-use goods, de minimis rules, and license determination.
• Classification Documentation & Audit Readiness:
  • Proven ability to maintain classification rationale, supporting documentation, and audit trails.
  • Experience responding to customs inquiries, internal audits, and regulatory reviews.
• SAP GTS & Classification Engine Integration
• Hands-on experience with SAP Global Trade Services (GTS), especially in classification module configuration and master data migration.
• Familiarity with classification engines such as TradeMo or Descartes OCR, including:
  • Reviewing and validating engine-generated classifications.
  • Managing filtration logic to ensure relevant data is processed.
  • Providing feedback for engine tuning and accuracy improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in trade compliance, with a focus on tariff and ECCN classification.
• Strong understanding of global customs regulations and export control laws.
• Experience with SAP GTS or similar trade compliance platforms.
• Familiarity with classification engines such as TradeMo or Descartes OCR is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Expert-level classifier with a track record of accurate and defensible classifications.
• Strong critical thinking and interpretive skills for navigating ambiguous or borderline classification cases.
• Ability to train and mentor junior staff on classification methodology and regulatory interpretation
• Comfortable working with large datasets and using classification engines to validate or enrich master data.
• Experience in cross-border compliance and understanding of regional classification nuances (e.g., EU CN codes, India Customs Tariff, US HTSUS).
• Strong collaboration skills to work with engineering, legal, and procurement teams on technical classification.

With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross-business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity. 

Across our company, we recognize excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network. 

Join us for a great career with competitive compensation and benefits, while helping engineer a better future. 

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)