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.

The salary range for this position is dependent upon experience, education, and qualifications.
Pay Range $114,400 — $114,400 USD