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. 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