Alejandra Mendez Castro
El Paso,TX
Summary
Foreign Trade Zone and Trade Compliance professional with a strong background in customs brokerage operations and regulatory adherence. Expertise in FTZ administration and process optimization, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and zero major audit findings. Bilingual in English and Spanish, effectively guiding clients on compliance and procedural improvements.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Process Development Supervisor
Omni Tarde Services
El Paso, USA
03.2016 - Current
- Led daily FTZ operations, ensuring 100% compliance with CBP regulations and internal controls.
- Developed FTZ procedures, improving processing efficiency by twenty percent.
- Maintained audit-ready documentation, supporting C-TPAT and CBP audits with zero major findings.
- Streamlined brokerage and warehouse workflows to enhance productivity.
- Guided clients on FTZ setup and compliance to ensure regulatory adherence.
- Managed staff training programs to improve team performance and operational standards.
- Facilitated communication between departments for seamless operations and workflow efficiency.
- Created reports detailing project status updates for senior management review.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline daily tasks and increase productivity.
- Monitored inventory levels, ensuring timely supply for ongoing projects and services.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations, ensuring operational standards were met consistently.
- Supervised team operations to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
- Participated in product design reviews to provide input on features or functionality that could be improved.
- Created reports outlining project status updates for senior management review.
- Maintained detailed records of all development activities, including updates, modifications, bug fixes.
- Developed strategies to optimize workflow process within the department.
Customs Brokerage Analyst
Panalpina Inc.
El Paso, USA
04.2014 - 03.2016
- Reduced customs rejections by proactively resolving issues, enhancing compliance accuracy.
- Analyzed ACE reports to identify compliance gaps, facilitating targeted improvements.
- Developed SOPs that streamlined processes, resulting in fewer processing errors.
- Managed high-volume customs entries ensuring compliance.
- Maintained accurate inventory reconciliation.
Imports Specialist / Customer Service Representative
Panalpina Inc.
El Paso, USA
03.2013 - 04.2014
- Ensured full compliance with import documentation, reducing potential delays.
- Improved clearance timelines and customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated 10+ daily international shipments to optimize delivery schedules.
- Ensured accuracy in billing processes to maintain financial integrity.
Imports Specialist / Customer Service Representative
CEVA Logistics
El Paso, USA
12.2011 - 03.2013
- Assisted in preparing customs declarations, facilitating smooth clearance and compliance with import regulations.
- Tracked international shipments to ensure timely delivery and compliance with regulations.
- Maintained accurate shipment data to support operational efficiency and decision-making.
- Enhanced vendor relationships through regular communication and collaboration.
Education
Master of Science - Industrial Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
El Paso, TXBachelor of Business Administration - Operations & Supply Management
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
El Paso, TXSkills
- FTZ operations
- FTZ procedures
- Customs Classification & Valuation
- CBP regulations
- C-TPAT Compliance
- C-TPAT Audit Assistance
- Customs documentation
- ACE Reporting & Data Analysis
- Inventory reconciliation
- Process improvement
- Supply Chain Software
- ISO QMS
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Team Leadership & Training
Certification
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)
- Lean Manufacturing (IEES)
- Six Sigma Green Belt (IEES)
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Process Development Supervisor
Omni Tarde Services
03.2016 - Current
Customs Brokerage Analyst
Panalpina Inc.
04.2014 - 03.2016
Imports Specialist / Customer Service Representative
Panalpina Inc.
03.2013 - 04.2014
Imports Specialist / Customer Service Representative
CEVA Logistics
12.2011 - 03.2013
Master of Science - Industrial Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Bachelor of Business Administration - Operations & Supply Management
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)