Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.

Global Trade Compliance & FTZ Specialist (Compliance Specialist III)

Description

Join our Global Trade Compliance team at Thermo Fisher Scientific and play a key role in ensuring compliant and efficient international trade operations, including oversight of Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) activities. In this role, you will maintain regulatory compliance across global import/export operations while supporting business growth and operational efficiency.

You will serve as a subject matter expert in both general trade compliance and FTZ administration, working cross-functionally to develop and implement compliance strategies, manage trade processes, and ensure adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and global trade laws. This role combines strategic compliance oversight with hands-on execution of FTZ operations, inventory control, and customs documentation.

Your work will directly impact the company’s ability to move goods efficiently, mitigate risk, and maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensure compliance with global trade regulations, including U.S., EU, and local country requirements
Interpret and apply import/export controls, trade agreements, and customs regulations
Conduct risk assessments, compliance audits, and implement corrective actions
Support denied party screening, licensing activities, and trade documentation processes
Collaborate with government agencies and maintain strong relationships with customs authorities

FTZ Administration & Customs Compliance

Oversee FTZ operations in compliance with CBP regulations (19 CFR Part 146) and FTZ Board requirements
Prepare and submit customs documentation (CF214, CF3461, CF7501, CF7512) using customs software systems
Manage in-bond transactions and ensure timely closure of bonds
Act as primary liaison with CBP for audits, reviews, and inquiries

Inventory Control & Operational Execution

Monitor and reconcile FTZ inventory using ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and FTZ software
Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies; file required reports with CBP
Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure accurate inventory movements
Maintain compliant electronic records and documentation

Reporting, Documentation & Continuous Improvement

Prepare and submit required FTZ and compliance reports to CBP and FTZ Board
Generate internal reports to support audits and business decision-making
Identify process improvement opportunities and support continuous improvement initiatives (PPI, Kaizen)

Collaboration & Communication

Partner with cross-functional teams, customs brokers, and freight forwarders
Provide training and guidance on trade compliance and FTZ processes
Serve as a key point of contact for trade compliance and FTZ-related matters

Requirements

Advanced degree with 3+ years of experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in global trade compliance, FTZ operations, or related roles
Strong knowledge of international trade regulations, customs compliance, and FTZ operations
Experience with CBP regulations, ACE system, and customs documentation processes
Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and global trade management software
Experience with inventory control and reconciliation in an FTZ environment
Familiarity with HTS classification, denied party screening, and licensing requirements
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
Experience conducting audits and implementing corrective actions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and in a matrixed, cross-functional environment
Willingness to travel up to 20%

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Business, Logistics, Law, or related field
Professional certifications (e.g., CCS, CZS, CTCS, LCB)
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (PPI, Kaizen)
Proven ability to build relationships with regulatory authorities

Welcome

Thank you for your interest as you consider starting a new career journey with us. As the world leader in serving science, our colleagues develop critical solutions through innovation—and build rewarding careers. Discover their extraordinary [stories ](https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/discover-our-stories)and connection to our Mission to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Their work is a story of purpose. What story will you tell?

About Us

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of more than $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD.

Accessibility/Disability Access

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

EEO

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, veteran status, age or disability status.

Compliance Specialist III

About the role