Compliance Manager, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Help maintain a comprehensive FTZ compliance program aligned with 19 CFR Part 146, CBP guidance, FTZ Board requirements, and company policies.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on FTZ regulations, operational controls, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor FTZ compliance risks and identify areas for operational or control improvement.
• Lead and support FTZ activations for distribution and production zones.
• Prepare, review, and submit activation documentation, procedures manuals, and supporting materials to CBP and FTZ Grantees.
• Support FTZ production authority applications, modifications, and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Ensure FTZ operations are implemented and maintained in accordance with CBP approvals and FTZ Board authority.
• Provide compliance oversight for FTZ ICRS admissions and transactional reporting.
• Maintain inventory control systems to ensure accuracy, auditability, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze and resolve FTZ ICRS rejects, system errors, and data discrepancies in coordination with CBP, brokerage, IT, and operations teams.
• Ensure timely corrections and system updates to support uninterrupted FTZ operations.
• Conduct routine, risk-based, and ad hoc FTZ audits, including admissions, inventory balances, removals, adjustments, and destructions.
• Prepare for, support, and respond to CBP reviews, validations, and compliance audits.
• Investigate compliance issues and implement corrective and preventive action plans.
• Maintain audit documentation, testing workpapers, and compliance records.
• Review and maintain FTZ SOPs, procedures manuals, and compliance documentation for distribution and production operations.
• Ensure procedures reflect regulatory requirements, CBP guidance, and operational realities.
• Update documentation in response to regulatory changes, audit findings, or process improvements.
• Develop and deliver FTZ compliance and FTZ ICRS training for internal teams and clients.
• Provide guidance on FTZ processes, system usage, audit readiness, and compliance responsibilities.
• Promote awareness of FTZ compliance obligations across operations and support teams.
• Maintain effective working relationships with CBP, FTZ Grantees, and industry stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit required FTZ reports, responses, and regulatory documentation.
• Stay current on changes in FTZ regulations, CBP guidance, and compliance best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Law, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in FTZ compliance, customs compliance, or trade compliance.
• Demonstrated experience with FTZ activations, production authority support, and ongoing FTZ operations.
• Hands-on experience with FTZ ICRS and inventory control systems.
• Proven experience managing FTZ audits and regulatory reviews.

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth understanding of FTZ regulations (19 CFR Part 146) and CBP requirements.
• Strong knowledge of FTZ compliance frameworks and internal control best practices.
• Experience with FTZ ICRS admissions and system troubleshooting.
• Excellent analytical, auditing, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, organization, and project management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Proficiency in compliance reporting and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (preferred).
• Experience supporting distribution and production FTZs.
• Experience working with CBP audits, validations, and compliance reviews.
• Familiarity with related trade programs such as C-TPAT or AEO.
• Experience implementing compliance programs in a multi-site or global organization.

Language Skills

• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Computer Literacy

• Proficient in FTZ inventory control and compliance management systems.
• Hands-on experience with FTZ ICRS strongly preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to adapt quickly to new systems and regulatory technology platforms.