Foreign Trade Compliance Specialist

The PAC Group•North Kingstown, RI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The role is for an expert to lead the initial setup, application, and ongoing operation of an FTZ program for a manufacturing environment. This person ensures that importing high-value raw materials, components, and technical hardware meets strict U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Free Trade Zone Board rules while optimizing duty savings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field.
5 to 8+ years of hands-on U.S. customs and Foreign-Trade Zone implementation experience, ideally within a manufacturing, aviation, defense, or aerospace setting.
Deep familiarity with CBP FTZ operational regulations (14 CFR / 19 CFR), inventory control and recordkeeping systems (ICRS), and ERP integration.
Ability to build a compliance program from scratch, set up internal policies, and cross-collaborate effectively with engineering and finance teams.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS / CES).

Responsibilities

Lead the feasibility study, site activation, and dual application process alongside local port authorities, economic grantees, the FTZ Board, and CBP.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current import, manufacturing, inventory control, and export processes.
Evaluate FTZ eligibility and opportunities for duty savings, inverted tariffs, weekly entry procedures, and operational efficiencies.
Develop the FTZ operating framework, governance model, and compliance strategy.
Identify program risks and establish mitigating controls.
Lead all phases of FTZ implementation from project initiation through operational launch.
Define zone activation requirements and coordinate activities with Customs authorities, FTZ Board stakeholders, and service providers.
Develop FTZ procedures covering: Admission of merchandise, Inventory control and recordkeeping, Manufacturing activities, Transfers and exports, Scrap, waste, and destruction processes, Weekly entry programs, Customs reporting and reconciliation.
Establish documentation standards and compliance controls.
Analyze specific manufacturing processes and material flows.
Develop compliant methods for tracking: Raw materials, Components, Work-in-process inventory, Serialized parts, Product assemblies and subassemblies.
Coordinate with engineering and logistics teams to apply correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, managing dual-use or defense-related trade considerations where applicable.
Deploy and manage specialized inventory tracking and software systems required for compliant admission, manipulation, and manufacturing inside the zone.
Assess ERP, warehouse management, and inventory control systems.
Define FTZ inventory control and recordkeeping requirements.
Collaborate with IT teams to configure systems supporting: CBP compliance, Inventory visibility, Audit trails, Transaction reporting.
Validate system controls and reporting capabilities.
Oversee daily FTZ recordkeeping, weekly entries, admissions, duty deferral tracking, and annual reporting.
Design compliance monitoring and internal audit programs.
Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and compliance metrics.
Develop corrective action and continuous improvement processes.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and traceability requirements.
Develop and deliver training programs for impacted stakeholders.
Create FTZ operational guides and user documentation.
Support organizational adoption of new compliance requirements and processes.
Build internal controls, conduct routine self-audits, and manage responses to CBP inquiries, reviews, or formal audits.
Prepare the organization for CBP audits and reviews.
Conduct mock audits and compliance assessments.
Support government inquiries, examinations, and compliance reviews.
Develop remediation plans for identified gaps.