Jobs
Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager
A growing Chicago-area organization is hiring an experienced Foreign-Trade Zone Manager to own a newly established and expanding FTZ operation.
Industry
Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Salary
$128,000–$170,000
About the company
A growing organization in the Greater Chicago area with a recently established Foreign-Trade Zone program that supports its international inbound logistics and import operations. The role is full-time and on-site.
The opportunity
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building, improving, and leading rather than maintaining an established program. You will serve as the internal FTZ subject-matter expert, oversee day-to-day compliance and operations, strengthen processes and controls, develop the FTZ team, and partner closely with internal and external stakeholders.
The right person brings strong hands-on FTZ experience, sound customs and compliance knowledge, and the confidence to evaluate an existing operation and recommend improvements where needed.
It suits someone who is comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability, can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, and wants to shape and grow an FTZ program over time.
Key responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day management and ongoing development of the Foreign-Trade Zone program
Manage and audit FTZ admissions and weekly Customs entry processes
Ensure accurate reconciliation between commercial, warehouse, and FTZ systems
Maintain FTZ documentation, records, procedures, internal controls, and the FTZ Procedures Manual
Coordinate required FTZ reporting, reconciliations, certifications, and regulatory submissions
Conduct internal compliance audits and maintain readiness for regulatory reviews
Build strong working relationships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the local FTZ grantee, customs brokers, and consultants
Evaluate existing processes, controls, SOPs, systems, and staffing, and scale the program as the company grows
Track and communicate FTZ-related savings, costs, fees, and compliance exposure, and improve duty efficiency
Lead and develop the FTZ Administrator and train operations, finance, supply chain, and security teams
Support international inbound logistics alongside customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and supply chain partners
Ideal profile
5+ years of direct Foreign-Trade Zone experience preferred
Demonstrated experience managing or taking significant ownership of FTZ operations
Experience supporting an FTZ implementation, activation, launch, or major program buildout strongly preferred
Strong understanding of FTZ regulations, Customs requirements, inventory controls, reconciliation, documentation, and audit requirements
Experience working directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Experience with international imports and global supply chain activity
Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve processes, SOPs, controls, and compliance practices
Previous leadership, mentorship, or management experience
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills
Highly preferred: an active U.S. Customs Broker License, or active pursuit of one; experience directly managing outsourced customs brokers; experience building or launching an FTZ program; and experience in high-volume import or distribution environments.
Compensation & benefits
The posted base salary range is $128,000 to $170,000. Full detail on the package is shared at intake before you speak to the client.
How to apply
Three ways to start the conversation.
Send your résumé, book a call, or apply straight from the LinkedIn posting. Whichever route you pick, one person handles your application from first reply to offer.
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About NextPlay Jobs
We believe great recruiting is personal, not transactional. We spent 15 years inside LinkedIn building the tools recruiters use, then built the firm we wished existed. We connect high-performing people with companies where they can make the biggest impact, and one relationship manager stays with you from the first search to the tenth.
Jobs
Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager
A growing Chicago-area organization is hiring an experienced Foreign-Trade Zone Manager to own a newly established and expanding FTZ operation.
Industry
Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Salary
$128,000–$170,000
About the company
A growing organization in the Greater Chicago area with a recently established Foreign-Trade Zone program that supports its international inbound logistics and import operations. The role is full-time and on-site.
The opportunity
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building, improving, and leading rather than maintaining an established program. You will serve as the internal FTZ subject-matter expert, oversee day-to-day compliance and operations, strengthen processes and controls, develop the FTZ team, and partner closely with internal and external stakeholders.
The right person brings strong hands-on FTZ experience, sound customs and compliance knowledge, and the confidence to evaluate an existing operation and recommend improvements where needed.
It suits someone who is comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability, can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, and wants to shape and grow an FTZ program over time.
Key responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day management and ongoing development of the Foreign-Trade Zone program
Manage and audit FTZ admissions and weekly Customs entry processes
Ensure accurate reconciliation between commercial, warehouse, and FTZ systems
Maintain FTZ documentation, records, procedures, internal controls, and the FTZ Procedures Manual
Coordinate required FTZ reporting, reconciliations, certifications, and regulatory submissions
Conduct internal compliance audits and maintain readiness for regulatory reviews
Build strong working relationships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the local FTZ grantee, customs brokers, and consultants
Evaluate existing processes, controls, SOPs, systems, and staffing, and scale the program as the company grows
Track and communicate FTZ-related savings, costs, fees, and compliance exposure, and improve duty efficiency
Lead and develop the FTZ Administrator and train operations, finance, supply chain, and security teams
Support international inbound logistics alongside customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and supply chain partners
Ideal profile
5+ years of direct Foreign-Trade Zone experience preferred
Demonstrated experience managing or taking significant ownership of FTZ operations
Experience supporting an FTZ implementation, activation, launch, or major program buildout strongly preferred
Strong understanding of FTZ regulations, Customs requirements, inventory controls, reconciliation, documentation, and audit requirements
Experience working directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Experience with international imports and global supply chain activity
Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve processes, SOPs, controls, and compliance practices
Previous leadership, mentorship, or management experience
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills
Highly preferred: an active U.S. Customs Broker License, or active pursuit of one; experience directly managing outsourced customs brokers; experience building or launching an FTZ program; and experience in high-volume import or distribution environments.
Compensation & benefits
The posted base salary range is $128,000 to $170,000. Full detail on the package is shared at intake before you speak to the client.
How to apply
Three ways to start the conversation.
Send your résumé, book a call, or apply straight from the LinkedIn posting. Whichever route you pick, one person handles your application from first reply to offer.
About NextPlay Jobs
We believe great recruiting is personal, not transactional. We spent 15 years inside LinkedIn building the tools recruiters use, then built the firm we wished existed. We connect high-performing people with companies where they can make the biggest impact, and one relationship manager stays with you from the first search to the tenth.
Jobs
Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager
A growing Chicago-area organization is hiring an experienced Foreign-Trade Zone Manager to own a newly established and expanding FTZ operation.
Industry
Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Salary
$128,000–$170,000
About the company
A growing organization in the Greater Chicago area with a recently established Foreign-Trade Zone program that supports its international inbound logistics and import operations. The role is full-time and on-site.
The opportunity
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building, improving, and leading rather than maintaining an established program. You will serve as the internal FTZ subject-matter expert, oversee day-to-day compliance and operations, strengthen processes and controls, develop the FTZ team, and partner closely with internal and external stakeholders.
The right person brings strong hands-on FTZ experience, sound customs and compliance knowledge, and the confidence to evaluate an existing operation and recommend improvements where needed.
It suits someone who is comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability, can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, and wants to shape and grow an FTZ program over time.
Key responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day management and ongoing development of the Foreign-Trade Zone program
Manage and audit FTZ admissions and weekly Customs entry processes
Ensure accurate reconciliation between commercial, warehouse, and FTZ systems
Maintain FTZ documentation, records, procedures, internal controls, and the FTZ Procedures Manual
Coordinate required FTZ reporting, reconciliations, certifications, and regulatory submissions
Conduct internal compliance audits and maintain readiness for regulatory reviews
Build strong working relationships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the local FTZ grantee, customs brokers, and consultants
Evaluate existing processes, controls, SOPs, systems, and staffing, and scale the program as the company grows
Track and communicate FTZ-related savings, costs, fees, and compliance exposure, and improve duty efficiency
Lead and develop the FTZ Administrator and train operations, finance, supply chain, and security teams
Support international inbound logistics alongside customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and supply chain partners
Ideal profile
5+ years of direct Foreign-Trade Zone experience preferred
Demonstrated experience managing or taking significant ownership of FTZ operations
Experience supporting an FTZ implementation, activation, launch, or major program buildout strongly preferred
Strong understanding of FTZ regulations, Customs requirements, inventory controls, reconciliation, documentation, and audit requirements
Experience working directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Experience with international imports and global supply chain activity
Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve processes, SOPs, controls, and compliance practices
Previous leadership, mentorship, or management experience
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills
Highly preferred: an active U.S. Customs Broker License, or active pursuit of one; experience directly managing outsourced customs brokers; experience building or launching an FTZ program; and experience in high-volume import or distribution environments.
Compensation & benefits
The posted base salary range is $128,000 to $170,000. Full detail on the package is shared at intake before you speak to the client.
How to apply
Three ways to start the conversation.
Send your résumé, book a call, or apply straight from the LinkedIn posting. Whichever route you pick, one person handles your application from first reply to offer.
About NextPlay Jobs
We believe great recruiting is personal, not transactional. We spent 15 years inside LinkedIn building the tools recruiters use, then built the firm we wished existed. We connect high-performing people with companies where they can make the biggest impact, and one relationship manager stays with you from the first search to the tenth.