Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and Export Administrator

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago.  We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more.  Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees.  To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

We currently seek a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and Export Administrator to help support our Norcross, GA location.

This position will be responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the Norcross Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) such as providing FTZ administration of arrival and removal of goods from a Foreign Trade Zone, within government rules and regulations. This individual will also have and develop familiarity with the fiber sales department, local plant sourcing, receiving, inventory control, order processing, along with domestic and export shipping. The position is in the Production Control organization who will report to the Production Control Manager. This position will be based at our Norcross, Georgia facility.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the FTZ
• Retrieves and analyzes inventory receipts to accurately prepare and file weekly entry documentation with U. S. Customs for FTZ Subzone.
• Manages/processes daily admissions into the FTZ (CF214) and weekly 3461 and 7501 filings.
• Reconciles the inventory records between SAP & FTZ software.
• Manage annual inventory reconciliation.
• Assist with performing periodic FTZ Inventory review and reconciliation, prepares annual permits for FTZ Activity, and submits annual reports on that activity to U. S. Customs and the Foreign Trade Zone Board.
• Work closely with multiple departments, such as procurement, accounting, receiving, shipping, and warehouse staff, to ensure FTZ compliance.
• Performs quarterly internal audits of Zone operations and reports results to management.
• Provide leadership and perform as needed the following production control activities:
• Generation of domestic and export shipping documents
• Maintain/ store shipping and goods receipt documentation per required practices.
• Completion of goods receipts and resolving IR/ GR/ inventory discrepancies.
• Inventory counting support.
• Support end of month accounting book close activities.
• Transportation scheduling

Key qualifications:

• Associates degree in related field
• Minimum of 3-5 years in a manufacturing, warehousing or logistics environment.
• Observe and promote facility safety procedures and culture.
• Coach and support area personnel.
• Primary area daily work prioritization.
• Ensure area operations are regulatory compliant.
• Knowledge of SAP is required.
• Familiar with receiving inventory control, as well as domestic and export shipping.
• Experience with import and export activities and documentation, primarily import.
• Working knowledge of inventory control systems, warehousing, and logistics activities
• Strong written, verbal, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to pass a federal background check.

General Expectations:

• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures.
• Comply with all aspects of Lightera's “Standards of Conduct” Policy.
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information.

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future.  In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors.  This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted. 

About Lightera
Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide. 

Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications. 

Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.