Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager

Job Description

Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager

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Location: Greater Chicago Area

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Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site

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We are partnering with a growing organization in the Greater Chicago area seeking an experienced Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager to take ownership of a newly established and expanding FTZ operation.

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This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building, improving, and leading rather than simply maintaining an established program. The successful candidate will serve as the internal FTZ subject-matter expert, oversee day-to-day compliance and operations, strengthen processes and controls, develop the FTZ team, and partner closely with internal and external stakeholders.

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The right person will bring strong hands-on FTZ experience, sound customs and compliance knowledge, and the confidence to evaluate an existing operation and recommend improvements where needed.

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Key Responsibilities

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FTZ Operations & Compliance

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• Lead the day-to-day management and ongoing development of the company’s Foreign-Trade Zone program.
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• Manage and audit FTZ admissions and weekly Customs entry processes.
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• Ensure accurate reconciliation between commercial, warehouse, and FTZ systems.
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• Maintain FTZ documentation, records, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with regulatory requirements.
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• Maintain and update the company’s FTZ Procedures Manual.
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• Coordinate required FTZ reporting, reconciliations, certifications, and regulatory submissions.
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• Conduct and coordinate internal compliance audits and maintain readiness for future regulatory reviews.
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• Serve as a primary internal subject-matter expert for FTZ rules, regulations, procedures, and compliance requirements.
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• Build and maintain strong working relationships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the local FTZ grantee, customs brokers, consultants, and other external partners.
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• Identify processing or compliance issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
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• Support the accuracy and maintenance of product, tariff, country-of-origin, licensing, and other compliance data.
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Program Development & Continuous Improvement

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• Evaluate existing FTZ processes, controls, SOPs, systems, and staffing.
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• Identify opportunities to strengthen compliance, efficiency, and operational consistency.
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• Help mature and scale a recently established FTZ program.
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• Develop sustainable processes that can support future company and FTZ growth.
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• Lead FTZ-related training across relevant internal teams.
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• Drive continuous improvement across FTZ operations and compliance.
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Financial & Business Management

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• Monitor the financial impact and performance of the FTZ program.
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• Track and communicate FTZ-related savings, costs, fees, and compliance-related financial exposure.
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• Identify opportunities to improve duty efficiency and reduce risk.
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• Partner with leadership and finance to provide visibility into FTZ performance and business impact.
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Team Leadership

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• Lead and develop the company’s FTZ Administrator.
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• Remain hands-on with FTZ activities as needed.
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• Evaluate current resources and recommend additional support where appropriate.
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• Provide FTZ guidance and training across operations, finance, supply chain, security, and other internal teams.
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Logistics & Supply Chain Partnership

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• Support international inbound logistics and customs activities.
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• Partner with teams responsible for international freight and import operations.
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• Collaborate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and internal supply chain partners.
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• Help ensure imported merchandise moves through the FTZ accurately, efficiently, and compliantly.
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Qualifications

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• 5+ years of direct Foreign-Trade Zone experience preferred.
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• Demonstrated experience managing or taking significant ownership of FTZ operations.
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• Experience supporting an FTZ implementation, activation, launch, or major program buildout strongly preferred.
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• Strong understanding of FTZ regulations, Customs requirements, inventory controls, reconciliation, documentation, and audit requirements.
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• Experience working directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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• Experience with international imports and global supply chain activity.
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• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve processes, SOPs, controls, and compliance practices.
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• Previous leadership, mentorship, or management experience.
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• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
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Highly Preferred

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• Active U.S. Customs Broker License.
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• Candidates actively pursuing a Customs Broker License will also be considered.
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• Experience directly managing outsourced customs brokers.
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• Experience building or launching an FTZ program.
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• Experience supporting high-volume import or distribution environments.
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Who Will Thrive Here

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This opportunity is best suited for someone who:

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• Enjoys building and improving programs.
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• Is comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability.
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• Can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
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• Is confident evaluating existing processes and recommending change.
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• Works well across operations, finance, supply chain, compliance, and external partners.
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• Wants the opportunity to shape and grow an FTZ program over time.
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