About the Role
IP Trading Florida LLC, a leading food and beverage distributor serving cruise lines and commercial clients, seeks an experienced Imports Manager to lead our FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) operations and compliance function. You'll oversee all inbound ocean container logistics, manage complex international trade compliance, and lead a skilled team in a fast-paced distribution environment.
Key Responsibilities
- FTZ & Compliance Leadership: Oversee all Foreign Trade Zone operations, including zone documentation, entry/exit procedures, and regulatory compliance to maximize duty deferral and cost optimization
- Ocean Container Management: Supervise inbound container tracking, coordinating with carriers, customs brokers, and warehouse operations to ensure timely clearance and delivery
- QAD System Administration: Manage FTZ module operations within QAD ERP; ensure accurate transaction coding, reconciliation, and reporting; serve as primary point of contact for system questions and improvements
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage the imports team; ensure training, performance management, and operational consistency
- Regulatory Compliance: Monitor changing tariff classifications, ITAR, FDA, and customs regulations; maintain compliance documentation and conduct internal audits
- Customs & Broker Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, freight forwarders, and customs brokers
- Reporting & Analysis: Generate weekly/monthly import metrics, duty impact analysis, and process improvement recommendations to senior management
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of imports/customs compliance management experience
- Proven FTZ operational expertise (zone entry procedures, reconciliation, ISA compliance)
- Hands-on experience with QAD FTZ module
- Strong understanding of U.S. Customs procedures, tariff classification (HS codes), and landed cost analysis
- Team leadership experience
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or related field
- U.S. Customs broker license (preferred) or willingness to pursue
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in food/beverage distribution or perishables logistics
- Knowledge of cruise line or foodservice supply chains
- APICS/ASCM certification
- Experience with Fishbowl or complementary WMS systems
- Familiarity with SEKO or major freight forwarding platforms
Why Join Us
- Lead a strategic function in a growing distribution business
- Work with premium customers across multiple industries
- In-office position based in Florida
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to optimize operations for a dynamic company
Pay: From $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
