What are the responsibilities and job description for the Customs Specialist II position at ZF Group?
Job Description
About the Team: The Customs team at ZF Transmissions Gray Court facility is a small, collaborative group that plays a critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Currently comprised of a Supervisor and an FTZ Coordinator, the team works closely together to manage customs processes in alignment with CBP and Foreign Trade Zone requirements. The Customs Specialist will strengthen the team’s ability to handle tariff classification, USMCA management, country of origin determinations, and recordkeeping oversight, supporting a proactive, detail-oriented approach to compliance within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
What you can look forward to as a Customs Specialist:
- Execute and determine product eligibility for multiple trade agreements to maximize duty avoidance for US region. This includes Classification, Solicitation, Qualification and Certification of materials under various FTA programs.
- Collect and audit USMCA and other FTA Certificates that are issued by ZF Plants and Vendors and communicate findings to all parties for compliance requirements.
- Analyze technical data and assign the appropriate HTS, country of origin and other required compliance data elements in ERP and compliance software.
- Determine proper import/export classifications, valuation, and country of origin/marking of products, equipment, and raw/finished materials, assuring regulatory compliance, and minimized duty payments.
- Respond to requests for information from corporate and plant supply chain personnel and Customs brokers and freight forwarders.
- Support and operate the Foreign Trade Zone in compliance with the FTZ Operations Manual.
- Support plant sourcing/supply chain personnel in daily guidance in the conduct of importation, exportation, reconciliation, and drawback activities.
- Create and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with ZF brokers and suppliers.
Your profile as a Customs Specialist:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
- 4-5 years of related operations experience with US Customs regulatory environment.
- Strong background in tariff classification as well as country of origin issues.
- Knowledge of US Customs regulations.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools – particularly Access and Excel.
- Strong problem solving and analytical skills with a high attention to detail.
- Solid organization and time/project management skills.
- Licensed Customs Broker, Certified Customs Specialist, Certified Zone Specialist preferred.
Why you should choose ZF in Gray Court, SC:
- Annual Incentive Plan
- Paid Time Off
- 401k Plan
- Health Care Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- A supportive collaborative team environment
- A strong diversity culture
- Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities