Foreign Trade Compliance Specialist
Foreign Trade Compliance Specialist at The PAC Group — North Kingstown, RI, US
- Company: The PAC Group
- Location: North Kingstown, RI, US
- Salary: $114,400 a year
- Posted: 2026-09-14
About this role
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. 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
- 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
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