Head of Customs & Freight Forwarding

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

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 Angeles’ 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.

Head of Customs & Freight Forwarding:

The Logistics department is responsible for delivering efficient and effective materials management and logistics support across all LA28 functions. The Head of Customs & Freight Forwarding will lead the planning, execution, and oversight of all customs clearance and freight forwarding activities for goods moving inbound to and outbound from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  This role is accountable for ensuring the timely and compliant movement of goods across international borders, maintaining full adherence to import/export regulations, optimizing transportation costs, and building strong partnerships with freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and government agencies. Combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational management, the Head of Customs & Freight Forwarding will drive service excellence, minimize delays, mitigate risk, and support the successful delivery of Games-time operations. Reporting to the Senior Director, Logistics, this position will lead cross- functional initiatives spanning international logistics, customs compliance, freight execution, delivery schedules, contingency planning, and operational readiness. This role will be critical in translating strategic customs objectives into actionable plans and ensuring seamless execution throughout all phases of the Games lifecycle. During peak operational periods, this position will take part in the Logistics Command Center, managing day-to-day operations, resolving critical shipment issues, maintaining end-to-end visibility, ensuring regulatory compliance, and safeguarding continuity of supply chain operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Act as the primary liaison with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other relevant authorities 
• Act as the primary Logistics representative regarding airport customs operations 
• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, brokers and external partners 
• Provide guidance / training to internal clients and external partners on the simplified customs procedure 

Customs Compliance & Strategy 

• Develop and implement simplified customs procedures to align with IOC and LA28 guidelines 
• Liaise with governmental partners to develop and introduce a streamlined, simplified customs procedure 
• Implement tracking strategy on the importation and exportation of games-related shipments  
• Provide accurate reporting of information to gGames clients including oversight of broker quotations, pricing, costings, shipping details and supply chain related documentation 
• Oversee the drafting, refining publishing, and distribution of the Customs & Freight Guide  
• Monitor updates on trade laws and disseminate information to relevant parties 
• Track customs analytics and performance metrics ensuring data is captured in daily MOC reports 
• Formulate carrier and freight forwarder strategies to improve transit time, costs, and service quality; whilst implementing contingency plans for port congestions, strikes, geopolitical disruptions, and carrier constraints 
• Manage HS code classification, customs valuation, country of origin, and duty optimization program 
• Maintain trade compliance policies, SOPs, and internal controls 
• Oversee the freight rates, service contracts, and SLAs 
• Act as the primary contact to resolve customs issues as they arise

Background & Requirements:

• 10+ years’ experience in customs, freight forwarding, or global trade roles 
• Previous Customs & Freight Forwarding experience in a major event is strongly preferred 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability account management skills with the ability to build and maintain client relationships 
• Customs broker license or trade certification 
• Experience with ERP / TMS / WMS systems such as SAP, Oracle, or CargoWise 
• Experience in multinational or high-volume supply chain environments 
• Knowledge of free trade agreements and bonded warehouse operations 
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 
• A team player with a strong customer service focus with and a desire to go the extra mile 
• Demonstrate ability in upward / downward communication  
• Competence to present and clearly communicate to audiences in a multitude of public / private settings, as required 
• Willing to work on complex, tight, immovable timelines while maintaining a positive attitude, exhibiting patience 
• Experience working in a multi-cultural, multi-national environment 
• High attention to detail

Expectations:

• Strong knowledge of customs regulations, Incoterms, tariff classification, and trade compliance 
• Experience managing international freight modes (air/ocean/road) 
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and third-party providers 
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills 
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to negotiate with shipping companies, carriers and Ports of Entry personnel 
• Knowledge of local and federal regulations and standards, a plus 
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret highly complex regulations and procedures; and write correspondence and procedural documents 
• Must be proficient with computers as well as Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook) 
• Confident self-starter – Ability to make quick decisions, gathering input from key stakeholders and advancing the initiative forward  
• Collaborative, flexible approach with an ability to roll with the transitional nature of the organization as it grows and establishes itself over the next 1 - 2 years 
• Team player – ability to scale up and down and drive both flawless execution  

Education:

• An undergraduate degree or relevant Logistics and Supply Chain Management

The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000.00. 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 does not provide relocation assistance.

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.