SUMMARY:
Reporting to VP Manufacturing Operations NA, the Global Trade Compliance & FTZ Operations Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of Lithion Battery's customs compliance program and Privileged Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). This role serves as the Company's primary subject matter expert on all matters related to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), import/export regulatory compliance, duty optimization, and trade agreement utilization. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced trade compliance professional who combines deep technical knowledge of U.S. customs law and FTZ regulations with the operational discipline to build scalable, audit-ready processes across a global manufacturing supply chain. Experience with lithium batteries or hazardous materials classifications is a significant advantage given the regulatory complexity inherent in the Company's product portfolio.
DIRECT REPORTS:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Management
- Manages all day-to-day operations of Lithion Battery's Privileged Foreign Trade Zone, ensuring continuous inventory integrity and operational compliance.
- Oversee all FTZ admissions, withdrawals, weekly entries, annual reconciliation, and zone status compliance in accordance with CBP and FTZ Board regulations.
- Coordinates the annual FTZ report and maintains CBP audit readiness at all times.
- Serves as the primary liaison with the FTZ grantee, CBP, and the FTZ Board on all zone-related matters.
Customs Compliance
- Classifies all products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), maintaining a complete and accurate classification database.
- Determines documents of country of origin for all imported and exported products.
- Evaluates the applicability and impact of Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA, and other trade actions on the Company's import and export activity.
- Reviews customs entries for accuracy and compliance prior to release and manages relationships with licensed customs brokers and freight forwarders.
- Monitors CBP rulings, regulatory updates, and trade policy changes, assessing impact and implementing process adjustments as required.
Duty Optimization
- Manages the Company's Duty Drawback program, identifying and recovering all eligible duties in a timely and compliant manner.
- Prepares and submits IEEPA refund claims and other duty recovery filings.
- Evaluates opportunities for duty savings under USMCA and applicable free trade agreements, providing recommendations on trade agreement utilization strategies.
- Proactively identifies and recommends duty mitigation strategies, including classification review, first sale valuation, and assists analysis.
Import / Export Compliance
- Ensures full compliance with all applicable U.S. import and export regulations, including CBP, U.S. Census, AES filing requirements, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) requirements, Denied Party Screening, and OFAC obligations.
- Manages compliance with hazardous goods regulations specific to lithium battery imports and exports, including applicable IATA, IMDG, and DOT requirements.
- Overseas Related Party Transaction documentation and customs valuation compliance, including assists declarations.
Audit Management & Recordkeeping
- Leads and coordinates all CBP Focused Assessments, customs audits, broker audits, and internal compliance audits.
- Maintains a comprehensive recordkeeping program in full compliance with CBP requirements and implements corrective action plans in response to audit findings.
- Manages ongoing internal compliance reviews to identify and remediate risk areas proactively.
Continuous Improvement & Training
- Develops, maintains, and enforces Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all trade compliance and FTZ functions.
- Delivers training programs to internal stakeholders on customs regulations, FTZ procedures, export controls, and related compliance topics.
- Drives measurable improvement in customs compliance metrics and cost reduction, building scalable global trade processes that support the Company's growth.
QUALIFICATIONS & COMPENTENCIES:
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, Customs Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 7 years of U.S. Customs compliance experience, with demonstrated breadth across classification, valuation, entry review, and broker management.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on Foreign Trade Zone management experience, including FTZ activation, daily operations, annual reconciliation, and CBP audit preparation.
- Strong HTS classification expertise with direct experience maintaining a classification database.
- Demonstrated experience managing Duty Drawback programs and recovering eligible duties.
- Working knowledge of Section 301 and IEEPA tariff frameworks and their practical impact on import cost management.
- Experience working directly with licensed U.S. Customs Brokers and international freight forwarders.
- Strong understanding of customs valuation principles, including assists and related party transactions.
- Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
Preferred / Highly Preferred
- Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (CHB) — highly preferred
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or Certified Export Specialist (CES)
- Experience with lithium batteries, hazardous materials, or regulated product classifications
- Experience in a manufacturing environment with ERP system exposure (M1 preferred)
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This role is conducted in the field, remote and/or office environment requiring some or all the following:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation
- Repetitive hand and arm movements
- Occasional lifting up to 50lbs may be required
- Frequent reaching, grasping, pushing or pulling, bending or twisting motions
- Frequent travel to client sites and events, including the ability to drive or travel long distances
- Walking and standing for extended periods during client meetings, presentations, and events
- Must possess a valid driver’s license