Foreign Trade Zone Manager

Azenta Life Sciences•Plainfield, IN

1d•$86,000 - $108,000

About The Position

Azenta Life Sciences is a global leader in the life sciences space with offices and operations, worldwide. We are a market leader in automated bio sample management solutions and genomic services across areas such as drug development, clinical and advanced cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic and healthcare institutions globally. We provide unparalleled capabilities with our lab analysis, sample management and storage services, informatics software, and consumables, with the largest installed base managing over 1 billion samples globally. The Foreign Trade Zone Manager is accountable for leading the site’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and cross-functional leadership. This role ensures all FTZ activities are executed accurately and in full adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations while supporting efficient, scalable operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field
5+ years of experience in FTZ operations, customs compliance, or regulated warehouse environments
Strong knowledge of CBP regulations (19 CFR 146) and FTZ procedures
Experience managing audits and regulatory interactions
Experience with inventory control systems (ICRS, WMS, or similar platforms)

Nice To Haves

FTZ certification or specialized customs compliance training
Experience implementing or scaling FTZ programs
Experience in life sciences or highly regulated environments
Experience working with external consultants or FTZ implementation partners

Responsibilities

Act as a subject matter expert and leader of FTZ operations, ensuring compliance and operational integrity
Take ownership of FTZ program performance, including inventory accuracy, reporting, and audit outcomes
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, traceability, and compliance rigor
Build strong partnerships across Operations, Quality, Finance, IT, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution
Ensure compliance with 19 CFR 146 and FTZ Board requirements
Act as primary contact for CBP audits, inquiries, and site visits
Maintain FTZ procedures, documentation, and reporting (admissions, transfers, withdrawals, annual reports)
Oversee preparation and submission of required FTZ documentation (admissions, transfers, withdrawals, annual reports)
Identify risks and implement corrective actions
Own the FTZ Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System (ICRS) to ensure data accuracy and compliance
Ensure accurate inventory tracking through cycle counts, reconciliations, and discrepancy resolution
Establish and enforce strong controls to maintain data integrity and audit readiness
Lead cycle count program to maintain inventory accuracy; investigate variances and implement sustainable corrective actions
Manage daily FTZ operations (receipt, storage, movement, shipment)
Ensure proper documentation and approvals are complete for FTZ Inventory
Coordinate zone admissions, transfers, and removals with internal teams and customers
Ensure physical and procedural security of FTZ operations
Identify and resolve compliance risks or security concerns in a timely manner
Partner with Quality and Legal on risk mitigation and regulatory alignment
Track and report on KPIs, compliance, and inventory accuracy
Support audits and lead continuous improvement efforts focused on compliance, accuracy, and efficiency
Promote data-driven decision making
Maintain FTZ expertise and ensure compliance discipline
Influence cross-functional partners and drive alignment
Provide training and act as internal SME
Lead continuous improvement and problem-solving efforts