Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Specialist – Systems & Compliance
Plano, TX
Contracted to Full Time
Mid Level
Job Title: Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Specialist
About the Role
We are seeking a seasoned Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Specialist with over 10 years of hands-on experience in international trade and customs operations. This role is part of a dynamic team within the Customs, Trade & Compliance department at a leading automotive company. You will play a critical role in driving operational efficiencies, enhancing compliance, and leveraging data-driven strategies to solve complex trade challenges.
As a subject matter expert, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional project teams, bringing deep domain expertise and strategic insight to support key initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
About the Role
We are seeking a seasoned Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Specialist with over 10 years of hands-on experience in international trade and customs operations. This role is part of a dynamic team within the Customs, Trade & Compliance department at a leading automotive company. You will play a critical role in driving operational efficiencies, enhancing compliance, and leveraging data-driven strategies to solve complex trade challenges.
As a subject matter expert, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional project teams, bringing deep domain expertise and strategic insight to support key initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage FTZ Operations: Oversee daily Foreign Trade Zone activities in full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and FTZ Board regulations.
- System Administration: Manage and maintain FTZ operating and compliance systems (e.g., Integration Point, Descartes, SAP GTS, or similar).
- FTZ & CBP Filings: Prepare, review, and transmit all required FTZ filings, including CBP Forms 214 (Admission), 216 (Zone Application for Manipulation/Exhibit), 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery), 7501 (Entry Summary), and 7512 (Transportation Entry and Manifest of Goods) through ACE CBP systems.
- ACE System Management: Ensure accuracy and timeliness of electronic submissions in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for FTZ transactions.
- Inventory & Record Control: Monitor and reconcile FTZ inventory movements, admissions, removals, and status changes using internal and CBP systems.
- Audit & Compliance: Conduct periodic internal audits to verify compliance with CBP and FTZ Board requirements. support CBP audits and inquiries as needed.
- Data Validation: Review data integrity between FTZ systems, ERP, and other platforms to ensure consistency and compliance.
- Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance system efficiency, automate reporting, and improve filing accuracy.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with customs and trade compliance, logistics, IT, and finance teams to support end-to-end FTZ operations.
- 5+ years of experience in customs and trade, with a strong track record of success.
- Expertise in import/export coordination, free trade zones, and international trade risk mitigation.
- Deep understanding of customs regulations, tariffs, and HTS classification.
- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional, regulated, and complex environments.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
- Proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
- Advanced degree (MBA or MS) in Finance, Business, or related discipline.
- Prior experience in the automotive industry.
- Active membership in professional trade organizations.
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