Foreign Trade Zone Coordinator

Position Summary

The FTZ Coordinator will be the primary onsite resource responsible for the day to day administration and operational control of WAI’s Foreign Trade Zone activities at the Southaven distribution center. The role will use FTZ software to support admissions, inventory control, removals, reporting, recordkeeping, and other required zone transactions. The coordinator will also serve as the primary onsite contact for U.S. Customs and Border Protection during facility visits and will work closely with the Director of Logistics, Customs Brokers, Trade Compliance, DC Operations, IT, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to maintain a compliant and efficient FTZ operation.

Key Responsibilities

Daily FTZ Operations

• Manage the day to day FTZ operating activities at the Southaven facility and ensure transactions are completed accurately and on time.
• Use FTZ software to process and monitor zone activity, including admissions, removals, transfers, inventory movements, and other required transactions.
• Monitor FTZ inventory status and maintain accurate records that reconcile physical inventory to system inventory.
• Coordinate with receiving, shipping, warehouse, and inventory teams to ensure FTZ procedures are followed during inbound and outbound movements.
• Review transaction exceptions, inventory discrepancies, shortages, overages, and system errors, and coordinate corrective action with the appropriate teams.

CBP and Compliance Support

• Serve as the primary onsite contact for CBP officers during facility visits, inspections, reviews, and requests for records.
• Maintain FTZ records and supporting documentation in an audit ready manner and provide requested documentation promptly.
• Support required CBP filings, approvals, and documentation for FTZ admissions, removals, transfers, manipulation, destruction, scrap, and other zone activities, as applicable.
• Follow approved FTZ procedures, internal controls, SOPs, security requirements, and record retention requirements.
• Escalate potential compliance issues, significant inventory discrepancies, or procedural exceptions to the Director of Logistics and Trade Compliance.

System and Data Management

• Act as the primary local user of the FTZ system and coordinate with Customs Broker on transaction processing, reporting, system questions, and issue resolution.
• Monitor data interfaces and transaction flow between WAI systems and the FTZ platform and promptly escalate integration or EDI issues.
• Validate key data elements used for FTZ reporting, including item, entry, admission, inventory, shipment, and transaction information.
• Assist with testing, system updates, process changes, and user acceptance activities related to FTZ technology.

Inventory Reconciliation and Reporting

• Perform routine inventory reconciliations and investigate variances between WAI records, Customs Broker records, and physical inventory.
• Prepare and maintain recurring FTZ reports, transaction logs, exception reports, and management metrics.
• Support periodic self testing, internal reviews, audits, and corrective action tracking.
• Maintain organized electronic records for FTZ transactions and supporting documentation.

Cross Functional Coordination

• Work closely with the Director of Logistics in Miramar, Florida, providing regular updates on FTZ activity, issues, risks, and open actions.
• Partner with DC Operations to ensure employees understand and follow FTZ specific receiving, storage, movement, scrap, and shipping requirements.
• Coordinate with Trade Compliance, Finance, Customs brokers, IT, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Assist with training and ongoing reinforcement of FTZ procedures for warehouse and administrative personnel.
• Recommend process improvements that strengthen compliance, reduce manual work, improve inventory accuracy, and support efficient zone operations.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in logistics, customs compliance, import operations, inventory control, distribution, or a related field preferred.
• Prior Foreign Trade Zone experience is strongly preferred. Experience with FTZ software, another FTZ inventory control system, or ACE related processes is a plus.
• Working knowledge of import documentation, inventory reconciliation, warehouse operations, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify data and inventory discrepancies and follow issues through resolution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the confidence to interact professionally with CBP officers and external service providers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and business systems. Experience working with ERP, WMS, or customs related software is preferred.
• Ability to work independently onsite while maintaining regular communication with leadership located in another state.

Additional Requirements

• Position is based onsite at the Southaven, Mississippi distribution center.
• Must be available to support CBP visits and FTZ operational needs during normal facility operating hours and, when required, outside standard hours.