Job Title: Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Compliance Program Implementation Specialist
Location: North Kingstown, RI
Client Facing: Yes

Role Purpose:

The role is for an expert to lead the initial setup, application, and ongoing operation of an FTZ program for a manufacturing environment. This person ensures that importing high-value raw materials, components, and technical hardware meets strict U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Free Trade Zone Board rules while optimizing duty savings.

Key Responsibilities:

FTZ Implementation & Application: Lead the feasibility study, site activation, and dual application process alongside local port authorities, economic grantees, the FTZ Board, and CBP.

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current import, manufacturing, inventory control, and export processes.

• Evaluate FTZ eligibility and opportunities for duty savings, inverted tariffs, weekly entry procedures, and operational efficiencies.

• Develop the FTZ operating framework, governance model, and compliance strategy.

• Identify program risks and establish mitigating controls.

• Lead all phases of FTZ implementation from project initiation through operational launch.

• Define zone activation requirements and coordinate activities with Customs authorities, FTZ Board stakeholders, and service providers.

• Develop FTZ procedures covering:

• Admission of merchandise

• Inventory control and recordkeeping

• Manufacturing activities

• Transfers and exports

• Scrap, waste, and destruction processes

• Weekly entry programs

• Customs reporting and reconciliation

• Establish documentation standards and compliance controls.

• Analyze specific manufacturing processes and material flows.

• Develop compliant methods for tracking:

• Raw materials

• Components

• Work-in-process inventory

• Serialized parts

• Product assemblies and subassemblies

Controls Integration: Coordinate with engineering and logistics teams to apply correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, managing dual-use or defense-related trade considerations where applicable.

System & Infrastructure Setup: Deploy and manage specialized inventory tracking and software systems required for compliant admission, manipulation, and manufacturing inside the zone.

• Assess ERP, warehouse management, and inventory control systems.

• Define FTZ inventory control and recordkeeping requirements.

• Collaborate with IT teams to configure systems supporting:

• CBP compliance

• Inventory visibility

• Audit trails

• Transaction reporting

• Validate system controls and reporting capabilities.

CBP & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee daily FTZ recordkeeping, weekly entries, admissions, duty deferral tracking, and annual reporting.

• Design compliance monitoring and internal audit programs.

• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and compliance metrics.

• Develop corrective action and continuous improvement processes.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and traceability requirements.

Training and Change Management

• Develop and deliver training programs for impacted stakeholders.

• Create FTZ operational guides and user documentation.

• Support organizational adoption of new compliance requirements and processes.

Audit Readiness: Build internal controls, conduct routine self-audits, and manage responses to CBP inquiries, reviews, or formal audits.

• Prepare the organization for CBP audits and reviews.

• Conduct mock audits and compliance assessments.

• Support government inquiries, examinations, and compliance reviews.

• Develop remediation plans for identified gaps.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience: 5 to 8+ years of hands-on U.S. customs and Foreign-Trade Zone implementation experience, ideally within a manufacturing, aviation, defense, or aerospace setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certifications (Preferred): Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS / CES).

Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with CBP FTZ operational regulations (14 CFR / 19 CFR), inventory control and recordkeeping systems (ICRS), and ERP integration.

Start-up Mindset: Ability to build a compliance program from scratch, set up internal policies, and cross-collaborate effectively with engineering and finance teams.

The salary range for this position is dependent upon experience, education, and qualifications.

Pay Range

$114,400-$114,400 USD