Global Trade Compliance, FTZ Operations Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Nevada.

📋 Description

• Oversee Lithion Battery's customs compliance program and manage the Privileged Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) from start to finish.

• Direct daily FTZ operations, which encompass admissions, withdrawals, weekly entries, annual reconciliations, and compliance with zone status.

• Coordinate the preparation of the annual FTZ report and ensure readiness for CBP audits.

• Act as a liaison between the FTZ grantee, CBP, and the FTZ Board.

• Classify products according to HTSUS standards and maintain the classification database.

• Assess country-of-origin documentation for both imported and exported products.

• Analyze trade actions such as Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA, and others.

• Review customs entries and manage relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders.

• Keep track of CBP rulings, regulatory updates, and changes in trade policy.

• Handle Duty Drawback, IEEPA refund claims, and other duty recovery filings.

• Evaluate duty-saving opportunities under USMCA and other free trade agreements.

• Identify strategies for duty mitigation, including reviewing classifications, first sale valuations, and assists analysis.

• Ensure adherence to U.S. import/export regulations, including AES filing, EAR, BIS, Denied Party Screening, OFAC, and requirements for hazardous goods.

• Manage compliance for lithium battery imports/exports under IATA, IMDG, and DOT regulations.

• Oversee documentation related to related-party transactions and compliance with customs valuation.

• Lead CBP Focused Assessments, customs audits, broker audits, and internal compliance audits.

• Maintain accurate recordkeeping and implement corrective action plans as needed.

• Conduct internal compliance reviews and address areas of risk.

• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for trade compliance and FTZ operations.

• Provide training on customs regulations, FTZ processes, export controls, and compliance subjects.

• Enhance customs compliance metrics and lower costs through scalable global trade processes.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, Customs Administration, or a related discipline.

• At least 7 years of experience in U.S. Customs compliance, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of classification, valuation, entry review, and broker management.

• A minimum of 5 years of practical experience in managing Foreign Trade Zones, including activation, daily operations, annual reconciliations, and preparation for CBP audits.

• Strong HTS classification knowledge with direct experience in maintaining a classification database.

• Proven experience in managing Duty Drawback programs and successfully recovering eligible duties.

• Familiarity with Section 301 and IEEPA tariff frameworks and their implications for managing import costs.

• Experience collaborating directly with licensed U.S. Customs Brokers and international freight forwarders.

• A solid understanding of customs valuation principles, including assists and related-party transactions.

• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

• A Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (CHB) is highly preferred.

• Certification as a Customs Specialist (CCS) or Export Specialist (CES) is highly preferred.

• Experience with lithium batteries, hazardous materials, or regulated product classifications is preferred.

• Background in a manufacturing environment with exposure to ERP systems; M1 experience preferred.

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or workstation.

• Repetitive hand and arm movements are required.

• Frequent reaching, grasping, pushing or pulling, and bending or twisting motions are necessary.

• Capability to walk and stand for extended durations during client meetings, presentations, and events.

• A valid driver's license is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Regular travel to client locations and events.

• Opportunity to drive or travel long distances.

• Work environment may include field, remote, and/or office settings.

• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs may be necessary.