Vice President, Customs Brokerage Operations

Forward Air Services•Dallas, TX

2d•$180,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Vice President of Customs Brokerage Operations is the senior executive responsible for leading, scaling, and optimizing the company’s U.S. customs brokerage network, including all bonded operations such as Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), Container Freight Stations (CFS), bonded warehouses, and other CBP‑regulated facilities. This role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and customer experience across a multi‑site, multi‑service customs environment. The VP serves as the enterprise’s subject‑matter authority on customs operations, FTZ administration, and trade compliance, driving strategy, process standardization, and continuous improvement to support growth, profitability, and risk mitigation.

Requirements

10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in U.S. customs brokerage operations, including direct oversight of bonded facilities and FTZs.
Deep knowledge of CBP regulations, 19 CFR, FTZ Board regulations, and PGA requirements.
Experience managing multi‑site brokerage operations with high‑volume, multi‑industry customer portfolios.
Proven success leading digital transformation, automation initiatives, and operational standardization.
Strong executive communication skills and ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) required.
Ability to travel up to 25%.

Nice To Haves

FTZ Operator or Administrator experience strongly preferred.
Experience in a 3PL, freight forwarder, or customs‑focused logistics environment.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence Lead national customs brokerage operations across all entry types (01, 11, 86, 51, 52, 06, etc.) and bonded environments (FTZ, CFS, IBEC, bonded warehouse).
Develop and execute a multi‑year operational strategy aligned with company growth, digital transformation, and compliance priorities.
Build scalable, standardized operating models, SOPs, KPIs, and governance frameworks across all brokerage and bonded facilities.
Drive performance management, productivity, and cost optimization across all brokerage teams and bonded operations.
Bonded Facilities & FTZ Management Oversee the administration, compliance, and operational performance of all FTZ sites, including activation, inventory control, admissions, weekly entry processes, and CBP reporting.
Ensure bonded warehouses, CFS operations, and other CBP‑regulated facilities maintain full compliance with 19 CFR requirements, security standards, and audit readiness.
Partner with Trade Compliance, Legal, and IT to maintain robust inventory control systems (ICSS), zone automation tools, and recordkeeping programs.
Lead relationships with local CBP ports, FP&F, and regulatory agencies to maintain strong standing and proactively address issues.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management Serve as the senior operational authority on CBP regulations, PGA requirements, and trade compliance best practices.
Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements, including ACE, ABI, ISF, CTPAT, FTZ Board regulations, and bonded facility controls.
Oversee internal audit programs, broker management systems, and corrective action plans.
Maintain a strong compliance culture with disciplined classification, valuation, origin determination, and post‑entry processes.
Digital Transformation & Automation Partner with Technology teams to enhance digital capabilities, including automation of entry workflows, FTZ inventory systems, document ingestion, and exception management.
Evaluate and implement new tools (AI/ML classification, OCR, API integrations, client portals) to improve speed, accuracy, and visibility.
Drive data quality, reporting, and analytics to support operational decision‑making.
Client Experience & Commercial Partnership Ensure high‑quality service delivery, responsiveness, and compliance for key accounts, including FTZ and bonded‑facility customers with complex supply chains.
Collaborate with Sales, Account Management, and Solutions Design to support new business, RFPs, and customer onboarding.
Act as an executive sponsor for strategic clients requiring advanced customs, FTZ, or bonded‑facility expertise.
People Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop a national team of licensed brokers, FTZ administrators, bonded facility managers, and operations leaders.
Build a high‑performance culture focused on compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Ensure appropriate staffing, training, succession planning, and professional development across all sites.