Manager, US Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Compliance
Position Summary
The Manager, US Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Compliance is responsible for establishing, leading, and sustaining a best‑in‑class FTZ compliance program for a U.S.-based manufacturing facility. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert on FTZ and U.S. Customs regulations, ensuring full regulatory compliance while driving duty savings, operational efficiency, and supply chain optimization.
The Manager partners closely with cross‑functional stakeholders, corporate compliance teams, and regulatory agencies to implement strong internal controls, oversee audits and reporting, and support seamless FTZ operations aligned with business objectives.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of a robust FTZ compliance program for a manufacturing operation
- Develop and operationalize FTZ procedures and controls, including the Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System (ICRS), FTZ Operations Manual, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and related internal controls
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert on FTZ and U.S. Customs requirements, providing guidance and training to operational teams
- Partner closely with corporate compliance and global stakeholders to ensure alignment and consistent application of regulatory standards
- Drive compliance and operational excellence to ensure adherence to U.S. Customs regulations while maximizing duty savings and supply‑chain efficiency
- Act as the primary liaison with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the FTZ Board, and other regulatory authorities
- Ensure all FTZ activities—including admissions, exports, zone‑to‑zone transfers, and removals—comply with federal regulations
- Prepare, review, and submit all required CBP and FTZ Board reports accurately and on time
- Track, analyze, and report FTZ cost savings and operational performance metrics to senior leadership
- Conduct regular internal compliance reviews and audits; manage external audits or assessments conducted by CBP
- Collaborate with logistics, warehousing, procurement, finance, and operations teams to support seamless FTZ execution
- Support oversight and performance management of transportation providers, customs brokers, and other third‑party partners supporting FTZ operations
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in U.S. Customs compliance and FTZ operations
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. import/export regulations, documentation, systems, and recordkeeping requirements
- Demonstrated ability to lead compliance initiatives and drive operational excellence
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments, cultures, and time zones
Preferred Qualifications
- Licensed Customs Broker or related professional accreditation
- Experience supporting manufacturing, high‑volume logistics, or global supply‑chain environments
- Proven success delivering duty savings and compliance improvements
