Foreign Trade Compliance Specialist

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. This is ONLY a Project Based Role and will go from October 5, 2026 through April 4, 2027.

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, and 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, and 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, and 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.