Sr. Trade Compliance Analyst

About Blue Bird Corporation

 

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

 

JOB SUMMARY

As the Sr. Trade Compliance Analyst, you will serve as a subject‑matter expert and key advisor on global trade regulations, ensuring compliance across the company’s international operations. In this advanced role, you will lead complex classification activities, oversee critical import/export compliance processes, partner with cross‑functional teams to reduce risk, and drive improvements that enhance the efficiency and reliability of international trade activities. You will also support the development and governance of trade compliance programs, providing guidance and mentorship to junior analysts and business partners. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Documentation Governance: Lead the preparation, review, and approval of high‑risk or complex import and export documentation. Provide guidance to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with regulatory standards.
• Expert Classification: Perform and validate complex HTS, Schedule B, and ECCN classifications using product specs, engineering data, and regulatory interpretation. Serve as an internal authority for classification disputes and escalation.
• Regulatory Intelligence: Proactively monitor, interpret, and communicate evolving international trade laws and regulatory requirements (EAR, ITAR, OFAC, CBP, etc.). Provide actionable guidance, scenario planning, and risk assessments to stakeholders.
• Policy Development: Support the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal trade compliance policies, SOPs, and governance frameworks.
• Broker/Freight Forwarder Leadership: Manage escalations with customs brokers and freight partners, resolving compliance barriers and evaluating partner performance. Lead quarterly business reviews and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Advise logistics, procurement, sales, engineering, and legal teams on compliance impacts related to sourcing decisions, new product introduction, and international expansion.
• Audit Leadership: Conduct advanced audits of import/export transactions, identifying gaps, root causes, and corrective actions. Prepare the organization for audits by government agencies such as CBP and BIS.
• Trade Program Ownership: Lead key components of trade programs including Free Trade Agreements (USMCA), duty drawback, C‑TPAT/APEC certification maintenance, and valuation/transfer‑pricing review.
• Data‑Driven Insights: Leverage analytics to identify compliance trends, assess emerging risks, and recommend strategic mitigation steps. Prepare dashboards and executive‑level reporting.
• Issue Resolution: Lead investigations into compliance violations or discrepancies, documenting findings and partnering with legal teams on remediation.
• Process Redesign: Champion automation and process optimization initiatives within trade compliance systems, including SAP GTS or equivalent platforms.
• Training Leadership: Develop and deliver advanced compliance training across the organization and provide mentorship to junior team members and new hires.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Expert-level knowledge of U.S. and international trade regulations, including HTS/ECCN classification, customs valuation, country‑of‑origin rules, FTA qualification, and export controls.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulations and communicate them clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (advanced Excel preferred: pivot tables, formulas, VBA) and trade compliance/ERP solutions (e.g., SAP GTS).
• Demonstrated ability to manage