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