Program Manager, Trade Compliance FTZ

Position Summary: 

The Program Manager, Trade Compliance is responsible for ensuring compliance with customs regulations and facilitating the smooth import and export of goods for the company.  The Program Manager, Trade Compliance coordinates and leads FTZ related launch and operational activities across Contract Logistics, ensuring timely activations, successful launches, and compliant, ongoing operations. This role will serve as a key liaison between internal departments, clients, and regulatory agencies. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop, implement, activate, and oversee daily FTZ program operations, ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs regulations 

• Support operational teams with FTZ procedures, training, and best practices  

• Manage inventory control and reporting within FTZ environments 

• Liaise with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on all FTZ-related matters 

• Ensure accurate documentation, recordkeeping, and audit readiness 

• Lead internal compliance reviews and implement process improvements 

• Ensure compliance with customs laws and regulations, including tariff classifications, valuation, reporting, and country of origin requirements. 

• Ensure all weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual FTZ forms and reports necessary for FTZ operations are submitted and reviewed for accuracy. 

• Identify and mitigate compliance risks related to FTZ operations. 

• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance. 

• Lead tariff migration and duty savings strategies, including drawback, reconciliation, free trade agreement qualifications and cost-avoidance initiatives that support the financial objectives and supply chain flow in collaboration with Regulatory, Logistics, and Supply Chain stakeholders to ensure alignment with all applicable trade laws and internal trade compliance policies and procedures. 

• Stay informed of regulatory and legislative changes impacting foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses 

• Collaborate with internal teams, such as transportation and logistics, to ensure smooth movement of goods across borders, resolve discrepancies and support operational goals.

  Skills and Abilities: 

  Education & Experience:   

  • Bachelor's degree in international trade, supply chain management, or a related field. 

  • 5-7 years’ experience in Program Management, FTZ management, Bonded Warehouses, or Trade Compliance 

  • Strong understanding of U.S. Customs regulations and FTZ operations 

  • Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) preferred 

  • Ability to operate in a structured, compliance-driven environment  

  • Experience working with a variety of commodities and industries. 

  • Proficient in ACE, ABI, ICRS, and ERP systems. 

  • Previous leadership or management experience 

   Other Skills:  

  • Strong knowledge of customs regulations and procedures. 

  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in preparing customs documentation. 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

  • Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. 

  • Familiarity with international trade agreements and requirements. 

  • Knowledge of transportation and logistics operations. 

  Computer Skills:   

  • Proficient in using customs brokerage software and systems. 

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). 

  • Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and technology platforms used in the transportation and logistics industry 

  Certificates & Licenses:   CCS, AZS or CZS certification advantageous 

  Language Skills: 

  • English (reading, writing, verbal) 

  • Interpersonal communication and language skills (e.g., listening to others, speaking to others, reading, writing) 

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

  Mathematical Skills  

  • Good mathematical skills  

   
   

  Other Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee uses his/her hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk or hear.  The employee uses computer and telephone equipment.  Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision and distance vision.  Must be able to travel by plane and automobile.  

  WORK ENVIRONMENT  

  While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.  

   The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

   Reasonable Accommodations Statement  

  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.