Import/Export Advisor (FTZ Manager 1

We are seeking a full-time FTZ Manager to oversee our Foreign-Trade Zone operations at our Fort Worth, TX site, including implementation of the Zone and development of processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• CBP Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the FTZ Board. Manage all CBP audits, focused assessments, and spot checks.
• Regulatory Filings: Oversee the timely and accurate submission of all FTZ admissions (Form 214), weekly estimates (Form 3461), weekly permits to transfer (PTT), monthly summaries (Form 7501), and annual FTZ Board reports.
• Permit Management: Maintain and update the FTZ Operator’s Bond, FTZ activation agreements, and the site's Foreign-Trade Zone Manual (Standard Operating Procedures).
• PGA Compliance: Ensure imported merchandise subject to Partner Government Agencies (e.g., FDA, EPA, FCC) is properly declared and managed within the zone.
• Ensure import shipments and documentation comply with applicable U.S. customs law.
• Act as a liaison with customs offices.
• Collect and analyze compliance data for trends and potential cost savings programs such as NAFTA, US 9802 (return after repair), and the use of Temporary Import Bonds.
• Lead process development and reengineering related to import transactions and duty management.
• Provide leadership, expertise, guidance, and training to supply chain, commodity, procurement, and program management functions to ensure compliance with the latest practices and procedures.
• Interface with various levels of management to ensure processes are in place and working to maintain compliance.

Inventory Control & System Reconciliation

• System Integrity: Manage, audit, and troubleshoot FTZ software/systems (e.g., Integration Point, Amber Road, QuestaWeb) and ensure seamless data flow with internal ERP/WMS systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Reconciliation: Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly inventory reconciliations between physical inventory counts, WMS balances, and FTZ system quantities. Investigate and resolve all shortages, overages, and discrepancies.
• Annual Inventory Certification: Lead the annual physical inventory count and prepare the required annual reconciliation certification for CBP.

Operations & Cost Optimization

• Financial Optimization: Identify and execute duty savings opportunities via inverted tariffs, duty deferral, and duty elimination on re-exports.
• Operational Integration: Partner with Warehouse Operations and Logistics teams to ensure receiving, picking, shipping, and manufacturing processes align with FTZ admission and deletion rules.
• Training & Auditing: Develop and conduct continuous FTZ compliance training programs for warehouse personnel, purchasing teams, and supply chain stakeholders.

Requirements

• Thorough understanding of 19 CFR 146, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, and valuation principles.
• Strong data analytics skills with advanced proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) to handle large inventory datasets.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex customs regulations into practical operational procedures for warehouse staff.
• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Finance, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of direct hands-on experience managing an active Foreign Trade Zone (either a manufacturing/production zone or a distribution/subzone).
• Deep experience working with automated FTZ software packages and major ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) strongly preferred.

Physical Demands

• Duties are performed in a normal office environment.
• Requires continuous light physical effort and exertion including prolonged repetitive motion, standing, and sitting in a confined workspace.
• Occasional travel may be required.