US Foreign Trade Zone Specialist

Applied Materials•Austin, TX

About The Position

This role will report to the Director of Global Freight and Transportation. The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Special will ensure compliance with FTZ regulations, manage inventory, and coordinate with Trade Operations to facilitate international trade operations. In addition to specific FTZ expertise, this role requires a broad level of experience in and understanding of the various global and regional transportation modes (Bulk Air, Ocean, Small Parcel, and Bulk Ground) and support functions (TMS, Control Towers, and developing training materials). Ensure all FTZ operations adhere to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and FTZ program requirements. Maintain accurate records of all FTZ activities, including merchandise admissions, inventory movements, and exports. Oversee and reconcile FTZ inventory, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting. Ensure trade operations has the necessary data to prepare and submit necessary customs forms (e.g., CBP Form 214, 7501, 7512) for FTZ operations and required reports to the FTZ Board and other relevant agencies. Work with internal teams (logistics, inventory, finance, trade operations) to ensure smooth FTZ operations. Provide guidance and support to internal teams on FTZ-related matters. Investigate and resolve any issues or discrepancies related to FTZ operations. Collaborate with Trade operations to keep abreast of changes in U.S. Customs regulations and FTZ program guidelines. Collaborate with internal stakeholders in Logistics Operations, Global Trade, Finance, IT, and Legal. Partner with Global Trade and local customs to ensure freight process designs and executions are following Applied trade policies. Collaborate with external stakeholders including transportation providers, warehouse providers, and craters. Ensuring Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in place inside Applied Operations and with Applied's Logistics Service Providers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Logistics Operations, Transportation or Supply Chain.
Minimum 8 years relevant operations experience in Trade, Transportation, and Logistics disciplines.
2+ years of experience administering a foreign-trade zone or related import/export experience.
Demonstrated experience in leading logistics projects and new implementations.
Strong understanding of FTZ operations and administration.
Strong understanding and market insights of Global Freight and Transportation.
Ability to demonstrate high sense of urgency.
Highly adaptable in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
Accustomed to taking accountability for ensuring that projects are completing in a timely manner.
Internally driven and proactive in approach.
Attention to details and analytical in problem solving.
Strong ability to effectively communicate at all levels and collaborate with a culturally diversified cross functional team.
Ability to adapt plans and priorities to meet service and / or operational challenges.
Understanding of U.S. import and export regulations, HTSUS merchandise classification, and FTZ procedures.
Experience with FTZ software, warehouse management systems, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SAP S/4Hana a plus.
Knowledge in DMAIC, 8D and Six Sigma typed Quality methodologies is an asset.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with FTZ regulations.
Manage inventory.
Coordinate with Trade Operations to facilitate international trade operations.
Ensure all FTZ operations adhere to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and FTZ program requirements.
Maintain accurate records of all FTZ activities, including merchandise admissions, inventory movements, and exports.
Oversee and reconcile FTZ inventory, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
Ensure trade operations has the necessary data to prepare and submit necessary customs forms (e.g., CBP Form 214, 7501, 7512) for FTZ operations and required reports to the FTZ Board and other relevant agencies.
Work with internal teams (logistics, inventory, finance, trade operations) to ensure smooth FTZ operations.
Provide guidance and support to internal teams on FTZ-related matters.
Investigate and resolve any issues or discrepancies related to FTZ operations.
Collaborate with Trade operations to keep abreast of changes in U.S. Customs regulations and FTZ program guidelines.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders in Logistics Operations, Global Trade, Finance, IT, and Legal.
Partner with Global Trade and local customs to ensure freight process designs and executions are following Applied trade policies.
Collaborate with external stakeholders including transportation providers, warehouse providers, and craters.
Ensuring Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in place inside Applied Operations and with Applied's Logistics Service Providers.