Global Trade Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Administrator

Applied Materials • Tracy, CA

2d • $116,000 - $159,500

About The Position

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. Applied Materials is currently seeking a Global Trade Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Administrator. This role serves as the program owner for Applied’s U.S. FTZ operations and is responsible for governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight of FTZ activities across the organization. The FTZ Administrator is part of the Legal and Compliance Organization and provides leadership to ensure FTZ operations are executed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, FTZ Board requirements, and Applied trade policies. This role sets standards, compliance framework, and provides direction to FTZ Analysts and operational teams. In this role, you will report to the Global Trade Operations Senior Manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in trade compliance, customs operations, or global trade programs.
• 2+ years of direct experience administering a U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone program.
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA and FTZ software
• Demonstrated experience leading audits, regulatory engagements, and program-level initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. customs regulations, FTZ procedures, and compliance controls.
• Strong program management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to influence at multiple organizational levels in a matrix environment.
• Strong analytical, communication, and risk management capabilities.
• Moderate to Advanced excel skills
• Proven ability to design and sustain audit-ready compliance programs.

Nice To Haves

• Customs Broker License preferred.
• Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or an Operations Management related field is a plus but is not required.

Responsibilities

• FTZ Program Governance and Compliance
• Own and maintain the FTZ compliance framework, including the CBP Procedures Manual, SOPs, process flows, and RACI matrix.
• Maintaining relationship with FTZ Board, Customs and Grantee for regulatory matters, inquiries, and audits.
• Establish and maintain an audit and monitoring system to verify ongoing FTZ compliance.
• Ensure FTZ operations align with evolving U.S. customs regulations and FTZ program requirements.
• Operational Oversight and Controls
• Provide oversight of inbound and outbound FTZ operations to ensure consistent execution across stakeholders and service providers.
• Review and approve exception resolutions, corrective actions, and systemic process changes.
• Oversee FTZ inventory integrity, including reconciliation methodologies and escalation of material discrepancies.
• Ensure accurate and timely filing strategy for CBP forms (e.g., 214, 216, 7501, 7512), whether self-filed or broker-filed.
• Strategic Leadership and Continuous Improvement
• Lead FTZ implementations, expansions, and major process and system changes.
• Define and monitor FTZ performance metrics, including compliance KPIs and duty savings.
• Partner with Finance to validate FTZ savings and financial impacts.
• Influence cross-functional leadership to embed FTZ requirements into logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain processes.
• People and Stakeholder Leadership
• Provide functional leadership and guidance to FTZ Analysts and operational teams.
• Act as escalation point for complex compliance or operational risks.
• Represent the FTZ program in internal leadership forums and external engagements.

Benefits

• You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers.
• We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company.
• At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level