100% Remote Foreign Trade Zone Specialist

Job Title: Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Compliance Program Implementation Specialist

Job Description

This role leads the design, activation, implementation, and ongoing operation of a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program within a manufacturing environment. The specialist serves as the subject matter expert for U.S. Customs compliance, FTZ operations, import and export processes, inventory controls, and duty optimization strategies. The position is ideal for a professional who has successfully built or implemented FTZ programs and can navigate both regulatory and operational requirements to ensure a successful launch and sustained compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead feasibility assessments and develop robust business cases for FTZ implementation within a manufacturing environment.
• Manage the end-to-end FTZ application and activation process with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the FTZ Board, and local port authorities.
• Design and establish the overall FTZ operating framework, including governance structure, policies, and compliance strategy.
• Identify operational risks associated with FTZ activities and develop mitigation plans to ensure compliant and efficient operations.
• Drive FTZ program implementation from project initiation through operational launch, ensuring cross-functional alignment and readiness.
• Establish and maintain customs compliance procedures that align with CBP regulations and FTZ requirements.
• Develop and document processes for merchandise admissions, inventory control and recordkeeping, manufacturing activities, transfers and exports, and waste, scrap, and destruction procedures.
• Implement and manage weekly entry programs, customs reconciliation, and customs reporting to support duty optimization and compliance.
• Ensure strict adherence to import and export regulations while maintaining audit readiness and comprehensive compliance documentation.
• Evaluate existing ERP, WMS, and inventory management systems to determine readiness for FTZ requirements.
• Define and implement FTZ-specific inventory control and recordkeeping standards and procedures.
• Collaborate with IT teams to configure systems that support inventory visibility, audit reporting, and transaction traceability for FTZ operations.
• Validate system functionality and reporting capabilities to ensure accurate tracking and compliance with FTZ regulations.
• Analyze material flows and manufacturing processes to integrate FTZ requirements into the supply chain.
• Develop compliant methods for tracking raw materials, components, work-in-process inventory, serialized inventory, finished goods, and subassemblies within the FTZ.
• Partner with engineering, logistics, procurement, and finance teams to align FTZ requirements with broader business operations and objectives.
• Support Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification strategies and related regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Coordinate import and export activities involving customs, trade compliance, and government reporting requirements.
• Assist in the management of dual-use, controlled, or regulated materials, ensuring appropriate handling, documentation, and regulatory adherence.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program development, implementation, and operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and FTZ regulatory requirements.
• Hands-on experience with customs compliance, customs brokerage, and customs entry processes.
• Proven ability to serve as a subject matter expert in global trade compliance, import and export management, and international shipping.
• Experience in trade compliance roles such as Global Trade Compliance Manager, Import/Export Manager, Customs Compliance Manager, FTZ Program Manager, Foreign Trade Zone Consultant, or International Trade Compliance Lead.
• Experience as a customs broker or similar customs-focused role, preferably with manufacturing experience.
• Ability to design and implement inventory control and recordkeeping processes that meet FTZ and customs standards.
• Proficiency in evaluating and working with ERP, WMS, and inventory management systems to support FTZ operations.
• Strong analytical skills to assess material flows, manufacturing processes, and supply chain impacts related to FTZ requirements.
• Knowledge of HTS classification and regulatory compliance in an international trade context.
• Capability to coordinate complex import/export activities and government reporting requirements.
• Detail-oriented approach with a focus on audit readiness and accurate documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience integrating FTZ requirements with cross-functional teams, including engineering, logistics, procurement, and finance.
• Familiarity with managing dual-use, controlled, or regulated materials in a manufacturing or trade compliance environment.
• Ability to develop governance structures and compliance strategies for new or expanding FTZ programs.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills for working with CBP, FTZ Board stakeholders, local port authorities, and internal teams.
• Proven track record of identifying operational risks and implementing effective mitigation plans in trade compliance or FTZ settings.
• Comfort with configuring and validating system functionality for inventory visibility, audit reporting, and transaction traceability.
• Strategic mindset to align duty optimization strategies with broader business objectives and manufacturing operations.

Work Environment

The role operates within a manufacturing environment that relies on integrated ERP, WMS, and inventory management systems to support FTZ activities. The specialist works closely with engineering, logistics, procurement, finance, and IT teams to ensure that FTZ requirements are embedded in daily operations and material flows. The work involves regular interaction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, FTZ Board stakeholders, and local port authorities, as well as coordination of international shipping and trade compliance processes. The environment emphasizes accuracy in inventory tracking, robust documentation, and strong systems integration to maintain compliance and audit readiness.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Scituate, RI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.