Mgr, Foreign Trade Zone Mgr, Foreign Trade Zone Mgr, Foreign Trade Zone

Volkswagen AG•Chattanooga, TN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Manager of Foreign Trade Zone Operations: This role will oversee the daily operations of Foreign Trade Zone Operations including ensuring timely and compliant filings of all required submissions to Customs and Border Protection. This role will be responsible for ensuring accuracy in FTZ operations including 214’s, weekly estimates and weekly entry filings. This role also has responsibility over the FTA solicitation and calculation for USMCA qualifications. This role is also responsible for reporting to Senior Leadership on duty liabilities, forecasts and planning. Working with internal groups such as EEO, purchasing and logistics in all aspects of finished vehicle manufacturing as it relates to customs compliance. Also ensuring compliant export processes for finished vehicles from the Foreign Trade Zone.

Requirements

10+ Years experience in customs and trade compliance, with expert level working knowledge of Foreign Trade Zone Operations. Experience in duty reclamation programs such as drawback and value reconciliation.
Bachelors Degree in Business, Political Science, or related field
Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic
Communication skills – interpersonal, presentation and written
Computer savvy – skilled in the use of software; database management
Integration – joining people, processes or systems
Influencing and negotiation skills
Problem solving
Resource management
Licensed Customs Broker
Extensive knowledge of customs, trade, content and origin regulations, compliance, operations, strategy, and cost reduction.
Free Trade Agreements, Country of Origin, and other customs/import-related compliance matters under US law.
Export Control knowledge
Strong presentation and advocacy skills
Working knowledge of all aspects of customs operations as it relates to customs and trade compliance.
Excellent verbal and written skills.
5-7 years of related professional experience.
5-7 years in a trade compliance management position for an automotive, manufacturing, or other complex industry.
Extensive knowledge of USMCA rules and regulations

Nice To Haves

5+ years direct experience in Customs and Trade Compliance, with expert level working knowledge of Foreign Trade Zone Operations

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations and performance of customs brokers to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and company standards.
Develop and maintain broker management protocols, including KPIs, audit schedules, and corrective action plans.
Serve as primary liaison between internal stakeholders and customs brokers to resolve classification, valuation, and entry issues.
Conduct periodic reviews of broker filings to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to import/export laws and regulations.
Lead broker onboarding and training initiatives to align with company policies, product-specific requirements, and regulatory updates.
Collaborate with Legal, Logistics, and Trade Compliance teams to address broker-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Monitor regulatory changes and communicate impacts to brokers, ensuring proactive adjustments to procedures and documentation.
Develops/manages trade and content-related regulatory compliance programs and supporting procedures for special tariff and trade programs (USMCA and other US and Canada related FTAs, AALA, and CAFE), reconciliation, and country of origin compliance to help enforce corporate policies and preserve or increase duty savings and minimize risk of penalties under 19 CFR and 15 CFR.
Calculates duty by model and tariff forecasts for production vehicles and parts.
Leads ongoing cross functional governance reviews for USMCA with major facets of the business (Customs, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Program Management, Finance, Legal, Government Affairs, etc.).
Develops strategies for implementation/compliance for USMCA and all US/Canada FTAs.
Interfaces with various departments to analyze and compare the impact of country of origin for potential sourcing decisions/changes.
Support all calculations related to all FTA’s supported by the FTZ
Reviews, validates, and provides submissions and responses to US CBP, and the office of the United States Trade Representative as warranted.
Manages internal reviews and external audits pertaining to content-related activities with external government agencies.
Manages interfaces with external service providers related to content activity.
Manages analysis and interpretation of economic factors such as raw material impacts, volume impacts, supplier sourcing dynamics and how these and other changes influence trade compliance activities for current and future production.
Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, and assessing performance.
As necessary, performs other related duties of which the above is representative.
Oversee daily FTZ operations, including inventory control, admissions, withdrawals, and zone status changes.
Ensure compliance with CBP regulations, including 19 CFR Part 146 and FTZ Board requirements.
Manage and maintain FTZ software systems and ensure accurate electronic filings (e214, CBPF 214, etc.).
Coordinate with logistics, supply chain, and customs brokers to ensure timely and compliant movement of goods.
Monitor and report on duty savings, MPF/HMF reductions, and Section 232/301 tariff mitigation strategies.
Prepare and submit annual FTZ reports and audits; liaise with CBP and FTZ Board as needed.
Develop and maintain SOPs for FTZ operations and customs compliance.
Train internal teams on FTZ procedures and regulatory updates.
Support HTS classification, country of origin determination, and valuation processes for automotive components and finished vehicles.
Lead internal audits and corrective actions related to FTZ and customs compliance.