Foreign Trade Zone Manager (Chicago)

Position Overview:

The Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager will oversee PowerStop’s FTZ operations and compliance, serving as the primary liaison with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other key regulatory and logistics partners. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across FTZ and related logistics activities, ensuring compliance, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while driving process improvements, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration to support business growth, supply chain performance, and customer service objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

FTZ Compliance:

• Manage and audit daily FTZ admissions (CF214) and ensure accurate weekly Customs entries (CF3461/7501).
• Reconcile inventory records between commercial and FTZ systems; promptly resolve discrepancies. Maintain SOPs, FTZ files, and ensure record retention in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Perform internal audits of FTZ operations and maintain an audit system to verify site compliance. Monitor and report FTZ-related cost savings and operational performance.
• Build and manage relationships as the point of contact for the FTZ, including FTZ Operations, US Customs, and the Local Grantee.
• Prepare and submit periodic FTZ reports, including Blanket CBP Form 216, Annual Reconciliation, Certification Letters, and FTZ Board Reports. Provide quarterly Harbor Maintenance Fee payments and manage payments to FTZ vendors and related fees. Responsible for updating and maintaining the FTZ Procedures Manual on file with Customs and the Grantee.
• Coordinate and maintain updated product data—including descriptions, units, tariff codes, country of origin, licenses, and compliance details—prior to material receipt. Support the maintenance of the FTZ master file and ensure data accuracy through periodic reviews.
• Serve as liaison with internal departments and external service providers to ensure FTZ systems and documentation are accurate and up to date. Consult with distribution center personnel on export procedures and documentation requirements.
• Lead key performance reviews and implement corrective actions as needed to ensure continuous improvement and compliance.

Logistics Strategy & Network Design:

• Develop and execute an integrated inbound and outbound freight strategy aligned to business growth, margin, and customer service objectives.
• Optimize transportation modes, lanes, consolidation strategies, and network flow from suppliers through distribution centers to customers.
• Lead long‑range planning for freight capacity, warehouse footprint, cross‑dock strategy, and sourcing diversification.
• Oversee inbound transportation of raw materials, components, and purchased goods from domestic and international suppliers.
• Partner with Procurement and Global Sourcing to define freight terms, carrier strategies, routing guides, and supplier compliance.
• Manage inbound visibility, appointment scheduling, dock utilization, and material flow to support manufacturing and inventory plans.
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations, customs requirements, and trade documentation where applicable.
• Lead outbound freight operations to customers, distributors, and intercompany locations, ensuring on‑time, in‑full (OTIF) performance.
• Optimize outbound mode selection (TL, LTL, parcel, intermodal), carrier mix, and service levels.
• Oversee warehouse shipping operations, order fulfillment execution, and customer delivery requirements.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for customer delivery issues and service failures.

Transportation & Carrier Management:

• Select, negotiate, and manage contracts with carriers, brokers, and third‑party logistics providers for both inbound and outbound freight.
• Establish carrier scorecards covering cost, service, safety, compliance, and sustainability metrics.
• Proactively manage freight market volatility, capacity constraints, and peak season planning.

Financial & Cost Management:

• Own the total freight and logistics budget across inbound and outbound operations.
• Identify cost‑reduction opportunities through mode optimization, lane rationalization, consolidation, and network redesign.
• Track and report logistics costs, freight accruals, accessorial spend, and cost‑to‑serve metrics.

Systems, Visibility & Analytics:

• Leverage TMS, WMS, ERP, and visibility tools to provide real‑time insight into inbound and outbound shipments.
• Define and monitor KPIs such as:
• Inbound on‑time delivery to dock,
• Manufacturing line‑side service levels
• Outbound OTIF and customer delivery performance
• Freight cost per unit / per shipment
• Use data to drive root‑cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Risk, Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, customs, trade, and transportation regulations.
• Develop contingency plans for supplier disruptions, port delays, carrier failures, and geopolitical risk.
• Promote a safety‑first culture across internal teams and logistics partners.

Cross‑Functional Leadership:

• Work closely with Supply Chain Planning to align inbound material flow with production and inventory strategies.
• Partner with Sales and Customer Service to align outbound freight execution with customer commitments.
• Support new supplier onboarding, new customer launches, and network expansions.

Educational Requirements, Experience, and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, or Business. Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain) preferred.
• Experience with global inbound logistics and international freight.
• Professional certifications (CSCP, CLTD, Lean, Six Sigma). Customs broker experience and FTZ management experience
• 10+ years of logistics or supply chain experience, including direct responsibility for both inbound and outbound freight, required.
• Strong understanding of transportation markets, carrier contracts, and logistics cost drivers.
• Proven leadership experience in complex, multi‑site operations

Key Competencies:

• FTZ compliance
• FTZ cadence and understanding
• End‑to‑end logistics and freight optimization
• Strategic and operational leadership
• Financial and analytical acumen
• Vendor and carrier negotiation
• Executive communication and influence

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $120,000 annually, reflecting the anticipated compensation at the time of posting. Final placement within this range will be determined by several factors, including—but not limited to—education, certifications, relevant experience, skills, travel requirements, and overall business needs. In addition to salary, eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) match retirement plan