Foreign Trade Zone Manager

At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships.All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity

Job Description

Azenta Life Sciences is a global leader in the life sciences space with offices and operations, worldwide. We are a market leader in automated bio sample management solutions and genomic services across areas such as drug development, clinical and advanced cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic and healthcare institutions globally. We provide unparalleled capabilities with our lab analysis, sample management and storage services, informatics software, and consumables, with the largest installed base managing over 1 billion samples globally.

The Foreign Trade Zone Manager is accountable for leading the site’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and cross-functional leadership. This role ensures all FTZ activities are executed accurately and in full adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations while supporting efficient, scalable operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a subject matter expert and leader of FTZ operations, ensuring compliance and operational integrity

• Take ownership of FTZ program performance, including inventory accuracy, reporting, and audit outcomes

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, traceability, and compliance rigor

• Build strong partnerships across Operations, Quality, Finance, IT, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution

What You’ll Do:

Regulatory Compliance & Program Ownership:

• Ensure compliance with 19 CFR 146 and FTZ Board requirements

• Act as primary contact for CBP audits, inquiries, and site visits

• Maintain FTZ procedures, documentation, and reporting (admissions, transfers, withdrawals, annual reports)

• Oversee preparation and submission of required FTZ documentation (admissions, transfers, withdrawals, annual reports)

• Identify risks and implement corrective actions

Inventory & Systems Management:

• Own the FTZ Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System (ICRS) to ensure data accuracy and compliance

• Ensure accurate inventory tracking through cycle counts, reconciliations, and discrepancy resolution

• Establish and enforce strong controls to maintain data integrity and audit readiness

• Lead cycle count program to maintain inventory accuracy; investigate variances and implement sustainable corrective actions

Operational Execution:

• Manage daily FTZ operations (receipt, storage, movement, shipment)

• Ensure proper documentation and approvals are complete for FTZ Inventory

• Coordinate zone admissions, transfers, and removals with internal teams and customers

Security & Risk Management:

• Ensure physical and procedural security of FTZ operations

• Identify and resolve compliance risks or security concerns in a timely manner

• Partner with Quality and Legal on risk mitigation and regulatory alignment

Reporting & Continuous Improvement:

• Track and report on KPIs, compliance, and inventory accuracy

• Support audits and lead continuous improvement efforts focused on compliance, accuracy, and efficiency

• Promote data-driven decision making

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Maintain FTZ expertise and ensure compliance discipline

• Influence cross-functional partners and drive alignment

• Provide training and act as internal SME

• Lead continuous improvement and problem-solving efforts

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in FTZ operations, customs compliance, or regulated warehouse environments

• Strong knowledge of CBP regulations (19 CFR 146) and FTZ procedures

• Experience managing audits and regulatory interactions

• Experience with inventory control systems (ICRS, WMS, or similar platforms)

Preferred Qualifications:

• FTZ certification or specialized customs compliance training

• Experience implementing or scaling FTZ programs

• Experience in life sciences or highly regulated environments

• Experience working with external consultants or FTZ implementation partners

Join us and help enable life‑changing discoveries by keeping critical life science systems running reliably—every day.

#IND123

*This position is currently not eligible for any employment sponsorship.*

If any applicant is unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please email at Recruiting@azenta.com for assistance. 

Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The posted pay range for this position is an estimate based on current market data and internal pay structure. Final compensation may vary above or below this range depending on factors such as experience, education (including licensure and certifications),  qualifications, performance, and geographic location, among other relevant business or organizational needs.