Sr. Manager, Foreign Trade

The group you’ll be a part of

The Global Operations Group brings information systems, facilities, supply chain, logistics, and high-volume manufacturing together to drive the engine of our global business operations. We help Lam deliver industry-leading solutions with speed and efficiency, while actively supporting the resilient and profitable growth of Lam's business.

Oversees all U.S. import and export activities, including Lam Research’s Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ). This role ensures efficient movement of materials and finished goods while maintaining full compliance with CBP and other regulatory requirements. The position provides subject matter expertise in Incoterms, FTZ operations, bonded movements, and U.S. customs regulations, supporting both cost optimization and service performance across the supply chain.

• Represent the company to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and respond to CBP inquiries across FTZ, import, and export operations.
• Maintain all required bonds, licenses, approvals, and authorizations for import, export, and FTZ activity, including renewals and deactivations.
• Own and maintain company-wide import/export compliance procedures, the ICRS manual, and related SOPs.
• Lead and manage U.S. Import Operations and FTZ teams, including direct and indirect reports, ensuring strong operational performance.
• Oversee FTZ administration, external consultants, and customs brokers; ensure adherence to SOWs, service levels, and compliance expectations.
• Provide subject matter expertise and operational decision support for daily import, export, and FTZ activities.
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor duty spend vs. forecast, and support strategic cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Identify and execute duty‑savings opportunities, including FTZ, FTA, and Returned Goods programs.
• Oversee end‑to‑end import and export operations outside the FTZ, including classification, valuation, documentation accuracy, and timely broker execution.
• Conduct internal audits to assess compliance, validate controls, and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Lead root cause analyses and implement process improvements using Lam problem‑solving methodologies; develop and maintain KPIs.
• Monitor regulatory changes in U.S. and international trade requirements and communicate impacts to stakeholders; provide updates and training to senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 6‑8 years of management experience. An advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum B.A./B.S. degree and 15 years’ experience working for a major importer or zone operator preferred. Comparable experience at a customs broker or freight forwarder, with emphasis on programs and problem solving, will be considered.
• 6‑8 years’ management experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• In‑depth knowledge of export, import, U.S. Customs, and U.S. Foreign Trade Zone regulations.
• LCB, CCS, or Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) highly preferred.
• Able to demonstrate skills, speed, and efficiency in data management and reporting, including monthly reporting of key metrics.

• Candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate with all levels and disciplines.
• Possess strong leadership skills including team facilitation, training, and motivation.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems with scalable and repeatable results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple cross‑functional projects and effectively track and report progress.
• Demonstrated ability to gain acceptance from peers in other departments and to lead cross‑functional teams to drive process improvements.
• Candidate requires minimal direction and identifies and pursues opportunities for innovation.
• Knowledge and experience with ACE and OFIS beneficial.
• Experience with SAP advantageous.
• This position is On‑Site Flex, which requires physical presence in the office or warehouses three days per week.
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 10% (including domestic and international), mostly domestic travel for internal meetings and meetings with U.S. CBP.

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