Foreign Trade Compliance Specialist

Job Title: Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Compliance Program Implementation Specialist 
Location: North Kingstown, RI   
Client Facing: Yes 

 

About PAC Group:   

 At The PAC Group (PAC), we specialize in engineering consulting, program management, and operational excellence—delivering high-impact solutions in more than 20 countries. We’re proud to partner with the world’s leading companies in automotive, aerospace, industrial, and technology sectors, providing strategic guidance and hands-on execution that drive innovation and efficiency. Whether we’re launching advanced manufacturing systems, deploying digital simulation tools, or scaling global operations, PAC thrives at the intersection of technology, engineering, and problem-solving.   

Joining PAC means joining a dynamic, fast-paced, and global team that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.   

 

Role Purpose: 

The role is for an expert to lead the initial setup, application, and ongoing operation of an FTZ program for a manufacturing environment. This person ensures that importing high-value raw materials, components, and technical hardware meets strict U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Free Trade Zone Board rules while optimizing duty savings. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

FTZ Implementation & Application: Lead the feasibility study, site activation, and dual application process alongside local port authorities, economic grantees, the FTZ Board, and CBP. 

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current import, manufacturing, inventory control, and export processes. 

• Evaluate FTZ eligibility and opportunities for duty savings, inverted tariffs, weekly entry procedures, and operational efficiencies. 

• Develop the FTZ operating framework, governance model, and compliance strategy. 

• Identify program risks and establish mitigating controls. 

• Lead all phases of FTZ implementation from project initiation through operational launch. 

• Define zone activation requirements and coordinate activities with Customs authorities, FTZ Board stakeholders, and service providers. 

• Develop FTZ procedures covering:  

• Admission of merchandise 

• Inventory control and recordkeeping 

• Manufacturing activities 

• Transfers and exports 

• Scrap, waste, and destruction processes 

• Weekly entry programs 

• Customs reporting and reconciliation 

• Establish documentation standards and compliance controls. 

• Analyze specific manufacturing processes and material flows. 

• Develop compliant methods for tracking:  

• Raw materials 

• Components 

• Work-in-process inventory 

• Serialized parts 

• Product assemblies and subassemblies 

Controls Integration: Coordinate with engineering and logistics teams to apply correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, managing dual-use or defense-related trade considerations where applicable. 

System & Infrastructure Setup: Deploy and manage specialized inventory tracking and software systems required for compliant admission, manipulation, and manufacturing inside the zone. 

• Assess ERP, warehouse management, and inventory control systems. 

• Define FTZ inventory control and recordkeeping requirements. 

• Collaborate with IT teams to configure systems supporting:  

• CBP compliance 

• Inventory visibility 

• Audit trails 

• Transaction reporting 

• Validate system controls and reporting capabilities. 

CBP & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee daily FTZ recordkeeping, weekly entries, admissions, duty deferral tracking, and annual reporting. 

• Design compliance monitoring and internal audit programs. 

• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and compliance metrics. 

• Develop corrective action and continuous improvement processes. 

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and traceability requirements. 

Training and Change Management 

• Develop and deliver training programs for impacted stakeholders. 

• Create FTZ operational guides and user documentation. 

• Support organizational adoption of new compliance requirements and processes. 

Audit Readiness: Build internal controls, conduct routine self-audits, and manage responses to CBP inquiries, reviews, or formal audits. 

• Prepare the organization for CBP audits and reviews. 

• Conduct mock audits and compliance assessments. 

• Support government inquiries, examinations, and compliance reviews. 

• Develop remediation plans for identified gaps. 

 

Required Qualifications: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field. 

Experience: 5 to 8+ years of hands-on U.S. customs and Foreign-Trade Zone implementation experience, ideally within a manufacturing, aviation, defense, or aerospace setting. 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Certifications (Preferred): Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS / CES).  

Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with CBP FTZ operational regulations (14 CFR / 19 CFR), inventory control and recordkeeping systems (ICRS), and ERP integration.  

Start-up Mindset: Ability to build a compliance program from scratch, set up internal policies, and cross-collaborate effectively with engineering and finance teams.