Lead Specialist - FTZ

Astemo Indiana•Harrodsburg, KY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Position Overview The Lead Specialist – Customs & FTZ Compliance will serve as the primary onsite authority overseeing all U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) compliance activities for our Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring the lawful, efficient, and timely movement of imported goods, maintaining the integrity of our FTZ program, and acting as the organization's subject‑matter expert on customs laws, regulations, valuation, admissibility, and documentation requirements. As the sole person responsible for customs compliance , the Lead Specialist must be a licensed U.S. Customs Broker and demonstrate strong command of federal regulations, including 19 CFR and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS). CBP requires licensed brokers to have expertise in entry procedures, admissibility requirements, classification, and valuation.

Requirements

Active U.S. Customs Broker License , meeting CBP requirements for citizenship, age, moral character, and passage of the CBLE.
Bachelor’s degree in: Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field preferred.
3–7+ years in customs brokerage, import compliance, or trade compliance.
Demonstrated proficiency in HTS classification, valuation, duty calculation, and import documentation.
Experience interacting with CBP, Partner Government Agencies, and FTZ officials.
Skilled in ACE/ABI platforms for customs entry filing.
Strong understanding of 19 CFR, HTSUS, duty assessment, and trade agreement applicability.
Proficient in ERP and inventory control systems; FTZ system experience preferred.
High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong analytical and regulatory research skills
Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight
Excellent communication skills for internal and external stakeholders
High integrity and adherence to compliance standards, aligned with CBP’s moral character expectation for license holders

Nice To Haves

Direct FTZ experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the company’s Licensed Customs Broker , filing and overseeing all import‑related activities in accordance with federal regulations, consistent with CBP’s licensing and compliance requirements.
Assist in classifying goods using HTSUS with accuracy and defend classification decisions; CBP notes classification as a core broker obligation.
Ensure compliance with valuation, duty calculation, admissibility, documentation, and partner government agency requirements (e.g., EPA, DOT, FDA).
Maintain all customs records as required, including 5‑year documentation retention per CBP guidance.
Assist in response and preparation for CBP audits, reviews, and inquiries.
Oversee all FTZ filings including Admissions (214) , Weekly Entries , zone status changes, inventory control, and reconciliation entries (when applicable).
Ensure alignment with FTZ regulatory requirements, leveraging CBP’s regulations on entry, valuation, and broker responsibilities.
Maintain close coordination with FTZ Operator Systems, ensuring inventory accuracy and compliance with CBP-mandated controls.
Stay current on updates to 19 CFR, CBP rulings, trade agreements, and tariff modifications to maintain compliance. Licensed brokers are required to maintain knowledge of customs laws and regulations.
Interpret government regulations and communicate requirements to internal stakeholders and external partners.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with supply chain, procurement, logistics, and operations to ensure early involvement in trade compliance matters.
File and manage entries via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) , consistent with CBP procedural requirements for brokers.
Maintain accurate electronic records and manage classification databases and import documentation systems.