FTZ Innovations Specialist

Job Title: FTZ Innovations Specialist

Job Location: Dallas, Texas

Role Purpose

The FTZ Systems & Innovation Manager is responsible for leading the intersection of Foreign Trade Zone operations, customs compliance, technology, systems integration, data management, automation, and artificial intelligence. This role serves as the technical authority for FTZ-related platforms, interfaces, reporting solutions, and digital transformation initiatives across the FTZ network.

The position partners with Operations, Customs Brokerage, IT, Product Development, Data Analytics, Finance, and customers to ensure seamless integration of FTZ systems, customs data, inventory management platforms, and emerging technologies. The role drives innovation, process automation, data visibility, compliance controls, and AI-enabled solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

FTZ Systems Leadership

• Serve as the subject matter expert for all FTZ-related technologies and operational platforms.
• Maintain deep understanding of FTZ software, warehouse management systems (WMS), customs brokerage platforms, ERP systems, and reporting tools.
• Lead system configuration, testing, validation, and implementation activities.
• Ensure data integrity across all FTZ applications and interfaces.

Customs & Trade Compliance Technology

• Understand Customs regulations, FTZ regulations, ACE, entry processing, admissions, withdrawals, exports, transfers, and compliance reporting requirements.
• Translate regulatory requirements into system functionality and operational controls.
• Partner with Customs Brokerage and Compliance teams to ensure accurate data transmission and regulatory reporting.
• Lead technology enhancements supporting customs compliance initiatives.

Systems Integration & Data Management

• Lead integration efforts between FTZ systems, WMS platforms, ERP applications, customs software, customer systems, and reporting databases.
• Define requirements for API development and automated data exchange.
• Oversee master data governance and inventory reporting accuracy.
• Support data migration, system upgrades, and implementation projects.

AI & Automation Strategy

• Identify opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation (RPA), and predictive analytics within FTZ operations.
• Develop automation solutions to reduce manual processing and improve compliance oversight.
• Partner with IT and Digital teams to deploy AI-enabled operational tools.
• Promote data-driven decision making through dashboards and advanced analytics.

Business Intelligence & Reporting

• Develop and maintain enterprise FTZ reporting and KPI dashboards.
• Analyze operational, compliance, and customer data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Create executive-level reporting for operational performance, risk management, and compliance metrics.
• Serve as the primary resource for FTZ data analytics and business intelligence initiatives.

Operational Support & Innovation

• Support implementations, startups, customer onboarding, and new business opportunities.
• Provide technical support for complex operational issues and system-related escalations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, scalability, and digital transformation.
• Recommend new technologies and future-state solutions supporting FTZ growth.

Training & Capability Development

• Develop training materials for systems, automation tools, and FTZ technologies.
• Educate FTZ Operations teams on system functionality and best practices.
• Build organizational capability in data analytics, automation, and digital tools.
• Maintain documentation, knowledge repositories, and technical procedures.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge & Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of Foreign Trade Zone regulations and operations.
• Strong understanding of U.S. Customs regulations, ACE, brokerage processes, and trade compliance requirements.
• Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP platforms, customs software, and inventory control systems.
• Knowledge of APIs, system integrations, databases, and data architecture.
• Experience with Power BI, SQL, data analytics, and reporting technologies.
• Understanding of AI, automation, machine learning, and digital transformation concepts.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.

Preferred Experience

• FTZ operations and compliance leadership.
• Systems implementation and integration projects.
• Trade compliance technology solutions.
• Business intelligence platforms and enterprise reporting.
• Process automation and AI-enabled workflow development.

Key Deliverables

• Standardized FTZ systems architecture across the network.
• Automated compliance and operational reporting solutions.
• AI and automation roadmap for FTZ operations.
• Integration of FTZ, WMS, ERP, and customs platforms.
• Improved data visibility, accuracy, and customer reporting.
• Reduced manual processing through automation initiatives.
• Enhanced compliance controls and audit readiness.
• Technology-enabled scalability supporting FTZ growth.

Pay Range: $79,777.50 - $106,370.00+ (Based on Experience)

Benefits (All Non-Union Employees)