Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager

NextPlay Jobs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NextPlay Jobs in the Greater Chicago area is seeking an experienced Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager to own and expand a newly established FTZ operation. You will lead day-to-day compliance and operations, develop the FTZ team, and partner with internal and external stakeholders to mature the program.

The successful candidate brings strong hands-on FTZ experience, deep customs and compliance knowledge, and the ability to evaluate current processes and implement improvements across SOPs, systems,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct Foreign-Trade Zone experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing or taking significant ownership of FTZ operations.
• Experience supporting an FTZ implementation, activation, launch, or major program buildout strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of FTZ regulations, Customs requirements, inventory controls, reconciliation, documentation, and audit requirements.
• Experience working directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management and ongoing development of the company’s Foreign-Trade Zone program.
• Manage and audit FTZ admissions and weekly Customs entry processes.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation between commercial, warehouse, and FTZ systems.
• Maintain FTZ documentation, records, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate required FTZ reporting, reconciliations, certifications, and regulatory submissions.

Skills

FTZ experience

Leadership

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

US Customs experience

Job description

We are partnering with a growing organization in the Greater Chicago area seeking an experienced Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager to take ownership of a newly established and expanding FTZ operation.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building, improving, and leading rather than simply maintaining an established program. The successful candidate will serve as the internal FTZ subject-matter expert, oversee day-to-day compliance and operations, strengthen processes and controls, develop the FTZ team, and partner closely with internal and external stakeholders.

The right person will bring strong hands-on FTZ experience, sound customs and compliance knowledge, and the confidence to evaluate an existing operation and recommend improvements where needed.

Key Responsibilities

FTZ Operations & Compliance

• Lead the day-to-day management and ongoing development of the company’s Foreign-Trade Zone program.
• Manage and audit FTZ admissions and weekly Customs entry processes.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation between commercial, warehouse, and FTZ systems.
• Maintain FTZ documentation, records, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and update the company’s FTZ Procedures Manual.
• Coordinate required FTZ reporting, reconciliations, certifications, and regulatory submissions.
• Conduct and coordinate internal compliance audits and maintain readiness for future regulatory reviews.
• Serve as a primary internal subject-matter expert for FTZ rules, regulations, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the local FTZ grantee, customs brokers, consultants, and other external partners.
• Identify processing or compliance issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Support the accuracy and maintenance of product, tariff, country-of-origin, licensing, and other compliance data.
• Evaluate existing FTZ processes, controls, SOPs, systems, and staffing.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen compliance, efficiency, and operational consistency.
• Help mature and scale a recently established FTZ program.
• Develop sustainable processes that can support future company and FTZ growth.
• Lead FTZ-related training across relevant internal teams.
• Drive continuous improvement across FTZ operations and compliance.

Financial & Business Management

• Monitor the financial impact and performance of the FTZ program.
• Track and communicate FTZ-related savings, costs, fees, and compliance-related financial exposure.
• Identify opportunities to improve duty efficiency and reduce risk.
• Partner with leadership and finance to provide visibility into FTZ performance and business impact.
• Lead and develop the company’s FTZ Administrator.
• Remain hands-on with FTZ activities as needed.
• Evaluate current resources and recommend additional support where appropriate.
• Provide FTZ guidance and training across operations, finance, supply chain, security, and other internal teams.

Logistics & Supply Chain Partnership

• Support international inbound logistics and customs activities.
• Partner with teams responsible for international freight and import operations.
• Collaborate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and internal supply chain partners.
• Help ensure imported merchandise moves through the FTZ accurately, efficiently, and compliantly.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct Foreign-Trade Zone experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing or taking significant ownership of FTZ operations.
• Experience supporting an FTZ implementation, activation, launch, or major program buildout strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of FTZ regulations, Customs requirements, inventory controls, reconciliation, documentation, and audit requirements.
• Experience working directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Experience with international imports and global supply chain activity.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve processes, SOPs, controls, and compliance practices.
• Previous leadership, mentorship, or management experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Highly Preferred

• Active U.S. Customs Broker License.
• Candidates actively pursuing a Customs Broker License will also be considered.
• Experience directly managing outsourced customs brokers.
• Experience building or launching an FTZ program.
• Experience supporting high-volume import or distribution environments.

Who Will Thrive Here

This opportunity is best suited for someone who:

• Enjoys building and improving programs.
• Is comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability.
• Can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Is confident evaluating existing processes and recommending change.
• Works well across operations, finance, supply chain, compliance, and external partners.
• Wants the opportunity to shape and grow an FTZ program over time.