Foreign Trade Zone Operations Manager

Simtra BioPharma Solutions (Simtra) is a world-class Contract Development Manufacturing Organization, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to bring their sterile injectable products to market. With facilities in Bloomington, Indiana, US and Halle/Westfalen, Germany, we offer a wide range of delivery systems including pre-filled syringes, liquid/lyophilized vials, diluents for reconstitution, powder-filled vials and sterile crystallization.  

Our product types include biologics and small molecules, cytotoxics, highly potent compounds, diluents for reconstitution and vaccines – which are all directly injected into patients worldwide.  As such, there is a strong emphasis on quality and continuous improvement at Simtra.  We hold ourselves to the highest quality and regulatory standards.

While our primary focus is cGMP manufacturing, we offer many support services including formulation and development, lyophilization optimization, global regulatory support and secondary packaging.  Our teams are driven to help clients scale, innovate and bring life-changing medicines to patients worldwide.

Why join Team Simtra? Because we:

Make it HAPPEN – We bring a growth mindset to every opportunity, developing new skillsets and exceeding our expectations and those of our customers.

Make it TOGETHER – We work as one, respecting each voice and tapping into our unique strengths across teams—so we can solve problems in new ways.

Make it RIGHT – We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence, fulfilling our commitments to the customer, their patients, and our team members.

Make it COUNT – We take pride in our day-to-day work, knowing the impact we make – taking on challenges big and small to improve patient health.

This role:

The FTZ Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's Foreign Trade Zone program in compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and FTZ Board requirements. This is a critical compliance and operations leadership role that requires deep knowledge of FTZ regulations, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally with customs brokers, warehouse teams, and clients.

This position is on site in Bloomington, Indiana.

The responsibilities:

• Oversee all daily Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) activities, including admissions, transfers, manipulations, and exports, ensuring full compliance with CBP regulations and the FTZ Act.
• Maintain precise inventory records in the FTZ management system; perform timely inventory reconciliation and cycle counts.
• Prepare and submit all regulatory reports, such as FTZ Annual Reports, statistical data, implement corrective measures as needed, and CBP entry documentation.
• Act as the main point of contact with CBP port directors, the FTZ Board, and external auditors.
• Develop, update, and enforce FTZ standard operating procedures, policies, and internal controls to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Conduct ongoing training for warehouse and operations teams on FTZ protocols, recordkeeping standards, and regulatory changes.
• Track changes in FTZ regulations, CBP rulings, and trade policies; evaluate operational impacts and adapt procedures accordingly.
• Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to maximize duty deferral, inversion, and elimination benefits for clients.
• Support FTZ activation and expansion, including site surveys, application preparation, and Board approvals.
• Partner with IT and operations teams to maintain and enhance the FTZ inventory management system.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of employees.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams (supply chain, finance, legal) and external partners (customs brokers, freight forwarders, government agencies) to optimize FTZ operations.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field)
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience managing a Foreign Trade Zone operation, customs and logistics.
• In-depth knowledge of FTZ regulations (19 CFR Part 146), CBP requirements, and FTZ Board procedures.
• Proficiency with FTZ inventory management software, Microsoft office and customs management systems.
• Strong understanding of import/export compliance, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, and duty rates.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present compliance findings to internal stakeholders and regulatory authorities.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with FTZ activations, expansions, or reorganizations.
• Familiarity with trade programs such as bonded warehouses, duty drawback, and C-TPAT.

Work Environment:

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and occasional lifting of up to 50lbs
• On-Site warehouse/FTZ facility with possible travel to CBP offices or industry events

In return, you’ll be eligible for[1]:

• Day One Benefits

  • Medical & Dental Coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
    • Spouse Life Insurance
    • Child Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Time Off Program
    • Paid Holidays
    • Paid Time Off
    • Paid Parental Leave and more
  • Adoption Reimbursement Program
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Community and Volunteer Service Program
  • Employee Ownership Plan

• Additional Benefits

  • Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance

  • Voluntary Insurance Benefits

    • Vision Coverage
    • Accident
    • Critical Illness
    • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
    • Identity Theft Protection
    • Legal and more

  • Onsite Campus Amenities

    • Workout Facility
    • Cafeteria
    • Credit Union

[1] Current benefit offerings are in effect through 12/31/26

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job.  It may not be inclusive of all the duties and responsibilities of the job.  Simtra reserves the right to make modifications based on business requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Simtra is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Simtra evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

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