Job Description

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

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 multiple priorities, drive results independently, and lead cross‑functional initiatives.
• Experience leading compliance projects, audits, or cross‑functional initiatives.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in international trade, business, supply chain, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in international trade, import/export operations, customs brokerage, or trade compliance.
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or Certified Export Specialist (CES).
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE

• 1–3 years of automotive industry experience, preferred.
• S. Customs Broker License (LCB) strongly preferred.

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

INCLUDES

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching

WORK CONDITIONS (Edit or remove if not needed)

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office environment and production environment
• Must work in manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise
• Fast paced production area with moving objects and sheet metal
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Must wear appropriate PPE when and where required
• Frequent weeks working 40+ hours
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms.

All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

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