Foreign Trade Zone Specialist

Job Overview

We are currently recruiting for an FTZ Specialist in Longview, Texas. This role will serve as the facility site specialist for foreign trade zone transactions by working directly and closely with US Customs and Border Protection, Port Director, Corporate Trade and Customs Compliance department, and the internal production and support teams. Provide internal auditing support for all inbound and outbound shipments as well as manufactured receipts and issues.

*****Relocation assistance is offered to qualified candidates*****

Key Job Responsibilities

• Work SAFE and be an advocate for safety.
• Manage daily FTZ operations, including inventory control, admission of goods, zone transfers, and production reporting.
• Provide weekly FTZ shipment estimates to Customs through Thomson Reuters (formerly Integration Point).
• Post weekly reconciliation to previous estimates to Customs through Thomson Reuters (formerly Integration Point) based on actual shipments.
• Post Entries for actual shipments to Customs through Thomson Reuters (formerly Integration Point).
• Post entries for all Inbound FTZ product to Customs through Thomson Reuters (formerly Integration Point).
• Provide secondary validation of monthly FTZ component cycle counts.
• Ensure that all FTZ items are properly marked and stored within the facility.
• Serve as local site contact for all FTZ related questions.
• Serve as primary site contact with Customs and Border Protection, Port Director, regarding any audits, site visits or general questions regarding the Longview Foreign Trade Zone.
• Coordinate with the Facilities Team, to ensure Customs compliance in all phases of construction projects on the Longview campus.
• Partner with consultant to identify process improvements and assist in implementing solutions.
• Prepare and deliver FTZ metrics and KPIs.
• Create and maintain compliant processes and procedures.
• Assist in internal training.
• Audit of both inbound shipments and outbound shipments for FTZ requirements.
• Coordinate closely with customs compliance in Milwaukee.
• Stay current with regulatory changes.
• Coordinate, prepare, and ensure timely submission of quarterly Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) payments to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in compliance with regulatory requirements (Customs Form 349).
• Coordinate, prepare, and ensure timely submission of the annual Authority to Operate (Customs Form 216 – Activity Permit) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for review and approval in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with Human Resources (HR) to obtain and submit required documentation for employees operating within the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), ensuring timely notification to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for background checks, and maintain an up-to-date listing of all key employees authorized to work within the FTZ.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of annual Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) reports through the Online Foreign Trade Zone Information System (OFIS), collaborating with the local Controller, site leadership, Corporate Trade and Customs Compliance team, and the FTZ consultant to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely filing in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Major in International Business, Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or an Operations Management related field.
• Certified Zone Specialist
• 4+ years Customs/compliance experience
• 3+ years administering foreign trade zones.
• Conceptual understanding of Duty Drawbacks, FTZ, FTA
• Working knowledge of U.S. customs procedures and trade practices and ability to interpret regulations.
• Working knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification rules.
• Work experience, preferably in an inventory or warehouse role…
• Pass a US Customs and Border Protection background check.
• Knowledge of international logistics, distribution, and trade compliance. To include -understanding of U.S. Export and Import processes, requirements, controls, and documentation.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and 45001.
• Proficient in MS Office; ERP/SAP experience a plus; Global Trade Software; Thomson Reuters
• Self-starter, taking initiative, demonstrating critical thinking, using effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong team player with good interpersonal skills.
• Accurate, organized, and confident with multi-tasking and handling numerous, varied projects.

Additional Information