Lead Specialist FTZ

Job Description:

Position Overview

The Lead Specialist Customs & FTZ Compliance will serve as the primary onsite authority overseeing all U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) compliance activities for our Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) manufacturing facility.
This role is responsible for ensuring the lawful efficient and timely movement of imported goods maintaining the integrity of our FTZ program and acting as the organizations subjectmatter expert on customs laws regulations valuation admissibility and documentation requirements.
As the sole person responsible for customs compliance the Lead Specialist must be a licensed U.S. Customs Broker and demonstrate strong command of federal regulations including 19 CFR and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS). CBP requires licensed brokers to have expertise in entry procedures admissibility requirements classification and valuation.

Key Responsibilities

Customs Compliance

• Serve as the companys Licensed Customs Broker filing and overseeing all importrelated activities in accordance with federal regulations consistent with CBPs licensing and compliance requirements.
• Assist in classifying goods using HTSUS with accuracy and defend classification decisions; CBP notes classification as a core broker obligation.
• Ensure compliance with valuation duty calculation admissibility documentation and partner government agency requirements (e.g. EPA DOT FDA).
• Maintain all customs records as required including 5year documentation retention per CBP guidance.
• Assist in response and preparation for CBP audits reviews and inquiries.

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Operations

• Oversee all FTZ filings including Admissions (214) Weekly Entries zone status changes inventory control and reconciliation entries (when applicable).
• Ensure alignment with FTZ regulatory requirements leveraging CBPs regulations on entry valuation and broker responsibilities.
• Maintain close coordination with FTZ Operator Systems ensuring inventory accuracy and compliance with CBP-mandated controls.

Regulatory Expertise & Oversight

• Stay current on updates to 19 CFR CBP rulings trade agreements and tariff modifications to maintain compliance. Licensed brokers are required to maintain knowledge of customs laws and regulations.
• Interpret government regulations and communicate requirements to internal stakeholders and external partners.

Internal Controls & Process Leadership

• Collaborate crossfunctionally with supply chain procurement logistics and operations to ensure early involvement in trade compliance matters.

Systems & Data Management

• File and manage entries via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) consistent with CBP procedural requirements for brokers.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and manage classification databases and import documentation systems.

Required Qualifications

Licensing Requirements

• Active U.S. Customs Broker License meeting CBP requirements for citizenship age moral character and passage of the CBLE.

Education

• Bachelors degree in: Supply Chain Management International Business Logistics Business Administration Accounting or related field preferred.
  

Experience

• 37 years in customs brokerage import compliance or trade compliance.
• Direct FTZ experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in HTS classification valuation duty calculation and import documentation.
• Experience interacting with CBP Partner Government Agencies and FTZ officials.

Technical Skills

• Skilled in ACE/ABI platforms for customs entry filing.
• Strong understanding of 19 CFR HTSUS duty assessment and trade agreement applicability.
• Proficient in ERP and inventory control systems; FTZ system experience preferred.

Key Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and regulatory research skills
• Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight
• Excellent communication skills for internal and external stakeholders
• High integrity and adherence to compliance standards aligned with CBPs moral character expectation for license holders

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity disability protected veteran status and national origin.

At Astemo were challenging the status quo with the power of diversity inclusion and collaboration. Our goal is to build an inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of our employees. We want to ensure that every employee feels valued respected and empowered. We dont just accept differencewe celebrate it we support it and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees our products and our community. Astemo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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