FTZ Program Manager

Rockwell Automation is a global technology leader focused on helping the world’s manufacturers be more productive, sustainable, and agile. With more than 28,000 employees who make the world better every day, we know we have something special. Behind our customers—amazing companies that help feed the world, provide life-saving medicine on a global scale, and focus on clean water and green mobility—our people are energized problem solvers that take pride in how the work we do changes the world for the better.

About the role

The FTZ Program Manager leads the continuous improvement, compliance, and long-term effectiveness of Rockwell Automation's Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program. You will provide strategic oversight of FTZ operations across North America, with a focus on regulatory compliance, external partnership management, audit readiness, program optimization, and long-term effectiveness of the program. You will work with company partners, Managed Service Providers, software vendors, and regulatory bodies to ensure FTZ operations are compliant, efficient, scalable, and aligned with our goals. This is a remote position reporting to the Trade Compliance Manager for North America.

Responsibilities

• Lead the FTZ continuous improvement agenda, driving enhancements to compliance quality, process efficiency, system stability, and cost avoidance.
• Implement improvement projects based on regulatory changes, audit findings, health checks, and business growth.
• Oversee, develop, implement, and maintain standardized FTZ processes, procedures, controls, manuals, and governance frameworks.
• Measure FTZ performance metrics, risks, and recommended improvements to leadership.
• Provide subject matter leadership on FTZ regulatory requirements, including 19 CFR, 15 CFR, and CBP guidance.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with FTZ regulations and proactive identification and mitigation of compliance risks.
• Oversee annual systems reviews, reconciliations, and regulatory filings, including preparation of required reports to CBP and zone grantees.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting FTZs and ensure communication and implementation.
• Lead internal and external FTZ audits, CBP compliance reviews, and independent compliance health checks.
• Be the primary contact for regulators, auditors, and external reviewers.
• Oversee corrective action plans, validate remediation effectiveness, and ensure sustainable resolution of findings.
• Support investigations and compliance assessments, making recommendations for program improvements.
• Manage strategic relationships with FTZ Managed Service Providers, software providers, consultants, and advisors.
• Oversee third-party FTZ performance to ensure service quality, compliance, and alignment with Rockwell Automation expectations.
• Partner cross-functionally with Trade Compliance, Logistics, Finance, IT, Operations, Legal, and other departments on FTZ-related programs.
• Support business projects including new zone implementations, expansions, product moves, and distribution strategy changes.
• Be the FTZ program ambassador by providing training, guidance, and awareness to company partners.
• Prepare and deliver clear, executive-level communications and presentations related to FTZ compliance and program performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of relevant work experience.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. (We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas for this job opening).
• Ability to travel 10% of the time.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) programs or U.S. trade compliance.
• Demonstrated experience working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), FTZ Boards, and zone grantees.
• Experience managing third-party service providers or Managed Service Providers.
• Experience with FTZ inventory control and recordkeeping systems.
• Experience leading continuous improvement projects and managing compliance programs.
• Experience leading external audits, CBP compliance reviews, and compliance health checks.
• Project management experience supporting complex, cross-functional projects.
• Knowledge of import/export regulations, international transportation, and supply chain operations.
• Experience with CTPAT or other trade security programs.
• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (preferred).

Benefits

• Health Insurance including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401k
• Paid Time off
• Parental and Caregiver Leave
• Flexible Work Schedule where you will work with your manager to enjoy a work schedule that can be flexible with your personal life.

At Rockwell Automation, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.