US Customs & Foreign Trade Zone Manager

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.

Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary

You will oversee the development and maintenance of procedures, manage daily Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations, and ensure full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. This position requires accurate inventory control and documentation, along with responsibility for regulatory reporting, system administration, audits, and risk management. Additionally, you will collaborate across departments to enhance compliance and drive operational efficiency.

The US Customs & FTZ Manager is within the Operations organization and reports to the Director Transport, Customs & Logistics.

You will work with Customs authorities, internal customers, freight forwarders and brokers.

Position Responsibilities:

Customs & FTZ Operations Management (45%)

• Maintain our FTZ agreement (Production Notification Scope of Authority) in line with business needs.
• Ensure products are properly classified in accordance with US Customs regulations and maintain SAP Database.
• Oversee daily activities: entry 7501, admissions E214, withdrawals, inventory tracking and perform Customs operations to meet high standards in terms of deadlines, costs, and reliability.
• Manage exports from FTZ (T&E)
• Reconcile ACH-PMS.
• Monitor FTZ savings and prepare annual reports (e.g., Blanket CBP Form 216, Annual Reconciliation, OFIS reporting).
• Monitor the performance of our Customs broker and ensure compliance with key performance indicators (KPIs) to achieve optimal Customs operations.
• Collaboration with Customs authorities: collaborate with local and national Customs authorities and FTZ trade associations such as NAFTZ to maintain strong relationships and ensure compliance with all regulations.

Inventory & Recordkeeping (20%)

• Maintain and audit Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System (ICRS).
• Perform daily inventory reconciliation between SAP and FTZ software.
• Record keeping for all FTZ-related documentation.

System Administration & Data Integrity (10%)

• Manage FTZ operating systems
• Validate data integrity between FTZ systems and ERP platforms.
• Support FTZ software implementations (new ICRS) and process improvements.

Risk Management (15%)

• Evaluate compliance risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Implement KPIs to measure efficiency and compliance.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of Customs processes and work to implement changes to optimize operations.

Training & Stakeholder Collaboration (10%)

• Train staff on FTZ compliance and operational procedures.
• Provide guidance to internal teams on FTZ-related matters.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

• Minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in relevant field such as Customs, FTZ manufacturing or international trade.
• Minimum 5 years relevant work experience in Customs management.
• S. Customs Broker License is preferred.
• Certified Export Specialist (CES) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) preferred
• NAFTZ FTZ Certification preferred
• Strong, demonstrable knowledge of U.S. Customs laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of International Customs laws preferred.
• Highly proficient written a