Compliance Specialist III

This job is with Thermo Fisher Scientific, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.

Global Trade Compliance & FTZ Specialist (Compliance Specialist III)

Description
Join our Global Trade Compliance team at Thermo Fisher Scientific and play a key role in ensuring compliant and efficient international trade operations, including oversight of Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) activities. In this role, you will maintain regulatory compliance across global import/export operations while supporting business growth and operational efficiency.

You will serve as a subject matter expert in both general trade compliance and FTZ administration, working cross-functionally to develop and implement compliance strategies, manage trade processes, and ensure adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and global trade laws. This role combines strategic compliance oversight with hands-on execution of FTZ operations, inventory control, and customs documentation.

Your work will directly impact the company’s ability to move goods efficiently, mitigate risk, and maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with global trade regulations, including U.S., EU, and local country requirements
• Interpret and apply import/export controls, trade agreements, and customs regulations
• Conduct risk assessments, compliance audits, and implement corrective actions
• Support denied party screening, licensing activities, and trade documentation processes
• Collaborate with government agencies and maintain strong relationships with customs authorities

FTZ Administration & Customs Compliance

• Oversee FTZ operations in compliance with CBP regulations (19 CFR Part 146) and FTZ Board requirements
• Prepare and submit customs documentation (CF214, CF3461, CF7501, CF7512) using customs software systems
• Manage in-bond transactions and ensure timely closure of bonds
• Act as primary liaison with CBP for audits, reviews, and inquiries

Inventory Control & Operational Execution

• Monitor and reconcile FTZ inventory using ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and FTZ software
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies; file required reports with CBP
• Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure accurate inventory movements
• Maintain compliant electronic records and documentation

Reporting, Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare and submit required FTZ and compliance reports to CBP and FTZ Board
• Generate internal reports to support audits and business decision-making
• Identify process improvement opportunities and support continuous improvement initiatives (PPI, Kaizen)

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with cross-functional teams, customs brokers, and freight forwarders
• Provide training and guidance on trade compliance and FTZ processes
• Serve as a key point of contact for trade compliance and FTZ-related matters

Requirements

• Advanced degree with 3+ years of experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in global trade compliance, FTZ operations, or related roles
• Strong knowledge of international trade regulations, customs compliance, and FTZ operations
• Experience with CBP regulations, ACE system, and customs documentation processes
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and global trade management software
• Experience with inventory control and reconciliation in an FTZ environment
• Familiarity with HTS classification, denied party screening, and licensing requirements
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
• Experience conducting audits and implementing corrective actions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a matrixed, cross-functional environment
• Willingness to travel up to 20%

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Business, Logistics, Law, or related field
• Professional certifications (e.g., CCS, CZS, CTCS, LCB)
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (PPI, Kaizen)
• Proven ability to build relationships with regulatory authorities