What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead, Customs position at FTAI Aviation LLC?
ABOUT FTAI AVIATION LTD. (NASDAQ: FTAI)
FTAI owns and maintains commercial jet engines with a focus on the Maintenance, Repair and Exchange (MRE) of CFM56 and V2500 engines. FTAI’s propriety portfolio of products, including The Module Factory and a joint venture to distribute engine PMA helps make CFM56 and V2500 engine maintenance simpler, more cost-effective, significantly faster, and more environmentally friendly. Additionally, FTAI owns and leases jet aircraft which often facilitates the acquisition of engines at attractive prices. FTAI invests in aviation assets and aerospace products that generate strong and stable cash flows with the potential for earnings growth and asset appreciation.
FTAI operates globally and has offices in New York, Miami, Montreal, Singapore. Dubai, United Kingdom and Ireland.
JOB OVERVIEW
The Customs Lead is responsible for the company’s internal customs function across the United States, Canada, Italy, and Portugal, acting as the internal subject-matter expert and primary point of contact for customs-related matters. The role manages the performance of external customs brokers and coordinates with outsourced Trade Compliance consultants, while specialized Trade Compliance remains outsourced.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee U.S., Canadian, and EU customs operations.
- Manage relationships and performance of external customs brokers, recurring errors, delays, and broker KPIs.
- Oversee HS/HTS classification, country of origin, customs documentation, and entry review.
- Develop and maintain customs procedures, SOPs, and controls.
- Manage customs audits, recordkeeping, corrections, and issue resolution.
- Identify opportunities for duty optimization and process improvements.
- Manage duty drawback claims and identify recovery opportunities.
- Manage temporary import/export procedures for repairs, exchanges, and asset movements.
- Monitor customs-related regulatory changes and assess operational impact.
- Standardize customs processes across international locations.
- Serve as the internal liaison with outsourced Trade Compliance consultants.
- Work closely with the outsourced Trade Compliance consultants.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5 years of experience in customs operations or trade compliance, preferably in the aviation or aerospace industry.
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. customs regulations (CBP), with familiarity with Canadian (CBSA) and EU customs procedures.
- Hands-on experience with HS/HTS classification, country of origin, customs valuation, and duty drawback.
- Experience managing customs brokers and freight forwarders.
- U.S. Customs Broker License (LCB) or a recognized customs designation, such as Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), is a plus.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Fluency in English required; Italian or Portuguese is a plus.
Job Demands:
Work is performed in a Shop environment and requires the ability to perform extensive standing, driving, walking, and climbing; to lift up to 50lbs. regularly; to manipulate up to 100lbs. with assistance. Must be able to bend, stoop, climb to reach materials, and work in a noisy environment.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement:
Our company is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.