Compliance Manager, Foreign Trade Zone; FTZ

Compliance Manager, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Iselin, USA

The FTZ Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and internal control integrity for Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) operations, including distribution and production environments. This role leads FTZ compliance programs, supports FTZ activations and production authorities, oversees FTZ ICRS system compliance, and monitors ongoing operational adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and FTZ Board requirements. The FTZ Compliance Manager plays a critical role in maintaining FTZ audit readiness, mitigating regulatory risk, delivering FTZ training, and promoting a strong compliance culture across FTZ operations, clients, and internal stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• FTZ Program Management & Governance
• Help maintain a comprehensive FTZ compliance program aligned with 19 CFR Part 146, CBP guidance, FTZ Board requirements, and company policies.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on FTZ regulations, operational controls, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor FTZ compliance risks and identify areas for operational or control improvement.
• FTZ Activations & Production Authorities
• Lead and support FTZ activations for distribution and production zones.
• Prepare, review, and submit activation documentation, procedures manuals, and supporting materials to CBP and FTZ Grantees.
• Support FTZ production authority applications, modifications, and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Ensure FTZ operations are implemented and maintained in accordance with CBP approvals and FTZ Board authority.
• FTZ ICRS & Systems Oversight
• Provide compliance oversight for FTZ ICRS admissions and transactional reporting.
• Monitor inventory control systems to ensure accuracy, auditability, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze and resolve FTZ ICRS rejects, system errors, and data discrepancies in coordination with CBP, brokerage, IT, and operations teams.
• Ensure timely corrections and system updates to support uninterrupted FTZ operations.
• Compliance Monitoring, Audits & Reviews
• Conduct routine, risk-based, and ad hoc FTZ audits, including admissions, inventory balances, removals, adjustments, and destructions.
• Prepare for, support, and respond to CBP reviews, validations, and compliance audits.
• Investigate compliance issues and implement corrective and preventive action plans.
• Maintain audit documentation, testing work papers, and compliance records.
• Policies, Procedures & Documentation
• Review, and maintain FTZ SOPs, procedures manuals, and compliance documentation for distribution and production operations.
• Ensure procedures reflect regulatory requirements, CBP guidance, and operational realities.
• Update documentation in response to regulatory changes, audit findings, or process improvements.
• Training & Advisory Support
• Develop and deliver FTZ compliance and FTZ ICRS training for internal teams and clients.
• Provide guidance on FTZ processes, system usage, audit readiness, and compliance responsibilities.
• Promote awareness of FTZ compliance obligations across operations and support teams.
• Regulatory Engagement & Reporting
• Maintain effective working relationships with CBP, FTZ Grantees, and industry stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit required FTZ reports, responses, and regulatory documentation.
• Stay current on changes in FTZ regulations, CBP guidance, and compliance best practices.

Educational Background /

Work Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Law, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in FTZ compliance, customs compliance, or trade compliance.
• Demonstrated experience with FTZ activations, production authority support, and ongoing FTZ operations.
• Hands-on experience with FTZ ICRS and inventory control systems.
• Proven experience managing FTZ audits and regulatory reviews.

Skills &

Competencies:

• In-depth understanding of FTZ regulations (19 CFR Part 146) and CBP requirements.
• Strong knowledge of FTZ compliance frameworks and internal control best practices.
• Experience with FTZ ICRS admissions and system troubleshooting.
• Excellent analytical, auditing, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, organization, and project management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Proficiency in compliance reporting and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (preferred).
• Experience supporting distribution and production FTZs.
• Experience working with CBP audits, validations, and compliance reviews.
• Familiarity with related trade programs such as C-TPAT or AEO.
• Experience implementing compliance programs in a multi-site or global organization.

Language

Skills:

• Fluent in English (oral and written).
• Computer Literacy:
• Proficient in FTZ inventory control and compliance management systems.
• Hands-on…