FTZ Trade Compliance Specialist

Role Summary:

The FTZ Trade Compliance specialist position is located in Reston, Virginia Volkswagen Group of America Headquarters 

The role requires team-oriented skills and extensive and constant collaboration with respective NAR leadership and colleagues, other business units within NAR as well as VWGoA, VWAG, and other foreign corporate entities logistics and customs departments. The role also actively promotes the company’s vision of integrity and compliance and collaborates with team members in support of these company principles. The role is a key support role to the Director of Customs and Trade Compliance in all aspects of the customs operation.

Role Responsibilities:

Foreign Trade Zone Operations 75%  

• Manage daily FTZ operations, including inventory control, admission of goods, zone transfers, and production reporting 
• Prepare and submit required filings such as e214s, CBPF 216s, and weekly entry summaries to CBP 
• Prepare and submit FTZ Board reports, including annual reports, site usage updates, activation/modification applications as needed, and special ad-hoc requests 
• Monitor and reconcile FTZ inventory using ERP and inventory management systems (SAP) 
• Coordinate with logistics, procurement, and production teams to plan efficient material flows through the FTZ 
• Support implementation and management of FTZ software systems and automation tools (Integration Point) 
• Act as the liaison with CBP, brokers, freight forwarders, and third-party FTZ operators and consultants 
• Maintain accurate zone records and documentation in accordance with regulatory and audit requirements

 Trade Compliance reporting and Support 25%  

• Prepare, review, and maintain documentation for customs clearance including commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipping records 
• Support with solicitation, qualification, and documentation for Free Trade Agreements as needed (USMCA, KORUS, etc) 
• Oversight of test vehicle program including vehicle removal approvals, prototype vehicle tracking, Model Code entry, and communicating requirements for timely processing and import/export of test vehicles 
• Develop and maintain trade compliance SOPs and internal control procedures 
• Collaborate with supply chain, procurement, logistics, finance, and legal teams to support compliant global movement of goods. Communicate key updates to internal stakeholders 
• Stay current with regulatory changes (301/232 duties, FTA updates, ACE requirements)  
• Support with Reconciliation (Value/FTA) Filing
• Provide detailed, accurate reporting to management, finance, and key stakeholders 
• Research and provide technical assistance in interpretation of laws/regulations (301/232, IEEPA) product description, harmonized tariff codes, country of origin and for the resolution of all import/export compliance issues for the region/country.
• Other tasks & duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Years of Experience:

• 5 - 7 years of direct experience with international logistics and customs systems and formalities

Education - Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Political Science, or equivalent experience

Education - Desired:

• Licensed US Customs Broker

Skills:

• Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic
• Communication skills – interpersonal/presentation/written for all levels of management and support staff
• Computer savvy – proficient in all areas of MS Office with demonstrated higher level capabilities in MS Excel
• Integration – joining people, processes or systems
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Demonstration of complex problem solving
• Initiative – self-starter, ability to work independently
• Detail orientated - demonstrated record of precision and integrity 

Specialized Skills - Required:

• 3-5 years experience in an automotive compliance role or equivalent
• 4 year Bachelor‘s Degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Business, Finance or a combination of education and experience.
• Working experience in automotive import regulations.
• Working knowledge of customs valuation rules, reconciliation concepts, entry audits, clearance procedure, classification rules and PGA requirements.
• Conceptual understanding of Duty Drawback, FTZ, FTA,
• Knowledge of accounting procedures;
• Understanding of Logistics operation processes, Inventory flows, database management;
• Understanding of purchasing, accounting and goods receipt relationships;
• Working knowledge of SAP/ ERP – MM & PP
• Understanding of automotive-related Customs regulations
• Familiarity with writing Customs rulings and responding to Customs requests for information
• Working knowledge of U.S. Customs procedures & trade practices & ability to interpret regulations
• Working knowledge of federal & international Customs laws & familiarity with various sources of Customs information
• Working knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification rules
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, select audit samples & write result reports
• Ability to independently undertake the development, implementation, & on-going management of Customs processes & procedures
• Ability to integrate existing & new Customs procedures into the Corporation through cooperative work with other processes
• Ability to work independently
• Analytical skills & ability to recognize areas that create Customs concerns & adjustments
• Ability to locate varied sources of information & apply information obtained

Specialized Skills - Desired:

• Licensed US Customs Broker
• Microsoft Office Proficiency
• Spanish language fluency

Work Flexibility:

• Full time
• <10% travel

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

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